CVE-2015-0846 in django-markupfield
Summary
by MITRE
django-markupfield before 1.3.2 uses the default docutils RESTRUCTUREDTEXT_FILTER_SETTINGS settings, which allows remote attackers to include and read arbitrary files via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/02/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-0846 affects django-markupfield versions prior to 1.3.2, presenting a significant security risk through improper handling of reStructuredText markup processing. This issue stems from the use of default docutils RESTRUCTUREDTEXT_FILTER_SETTINGS configurations that fail to adequately sanitize user input during markup rendering. The flaw enables remote attackers to exploit unspecified vectors that allow arbitrary file inclusion and reading capabilities, potentially compromising system security and data integrity.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability resides in the markup field processing mechanism within django-markupfield, where the default configuration parameters for docutils do not sufficiently restrict file system access during reStructuredText parsing operations. When users submit content containing malicious reStructuredText markup, the system processes these inputs using default settings that permit traversal and inclusion of arbitrary files from the server's file system. This represents a classic path traversal vulnerability that falls under CWE-22 Path Traversal and CWE-23 Relative Path Traversal, where the application fails to properly validate and sanitize input before processing.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it creates potential attack vectors for more sophisticated exploitation techniques. An attacker could leverage this flaw to access sensitive configuration files, database credentials, application source code, or other system resources that should remain protected from unauthorized access. The remote nature of the attack means that adversaries do not require physical access to the system, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in web-facing applications where user input is processed without proper sanitization.
Security practitioners should implement immediate mitigations including upgrading to django-markupfield version 1.3.2 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the insecure default settings. Organizations should also review their current markup processing configurations and ensure that custom settings properly restrict file system access during reStructuredText processing. The mitigation strategy aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1068 Exploitation for Privilege Escalation, as this vulnerability could enable attackers to escalate privileges through information gathering and access to sensitive files. Additionally, implementing proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms, along with regular security audits of markup processing components, will help prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in other applications.