CVE-2015-3184 in Subversion
Summary
by MITRE
mod_authz_svn in Apache Subversion 1.7.x before 1.7.21 and 1.8.x before 1.8.14, when using Apache httpd 2.4.x, does not properly restrict anonymous access, which allows remote anonymous users to read hidden files via the path name.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/07/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-3184 affects the mod_authz_svn module within Apache Subversion versions prior to 1.7.21 and 1.8.14 when integrated with Apache httpd 2.4.x servers. This security flaw represents a critical authorization bypass issue that undermines the intended access controls for version control repositories. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of anonymous access permissions within the subversion module, creating a pathway for unauthorized users to gain access to sensitive repository content that should remain hidden from unauthenticated users.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability resides in the authorization logic of mod_authz_svn where the module fails to properly validate access requests for hidden files within subversion repositories. When Apache httpd 2.4.x processes requests through mod_authz_svn, the authentication checks do not adequately filter anonymous access attempts for paths containing hidden files or directories that should be protected from public viewing. This occurs because the module does not correctly enforce access control policies when dealing with path traversal scenarios involving hidden repository elements, allowing malicious actors to bypass normal authentication mechanisms and directly access files that should only be available to authenticated users with proper permissions.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-3184 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it enables remote attackers to systematically enumerate and access sensitive repository content without authentication. This vulnerability specifically affects hidden files within subversion repositories, which typically contain configuration data, backup files, or other sensitive information that should remain protected from unauthorized access. Attackers can exploit this flaw by constructing specific URL paths that target hidden repository elements, effectively circumventing the intended access controls and potentially exposing confidential development artifacts, source code components, or administrative data that should remain restricted to authorized personnel.
Organizations utilizing affected versions of Apache Subversion face significant security risks including potential exposure of intellectual property, development secrets, and sensitive operational data. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control in software systems, and represents a clear violation of the principle of least privilege in access management. From an adversarial perspective, this vulnerability maps to ATT&CK technique T1078.004, which involves legitimate credentials use for unauthorized access, as attackers can leverage anonymous access to gain unauthorized access to repository contents. The impact is particularly severe in development environments where subversion repositories often contain sensitive code, configuration files, and development artifacts that could provide attackers with valuable intelligence for further exploitation.
The recommended mitigation strategy involves immediate upgrade to Apache Subversion versions 1.7.21 or 1.8.14, which contain the necessary patches to address the authorization bypass vulnerability. Additionally, organizations should implement supplementary access controls including proper configuration of Apache httpd server directives, deployment of additional authentication layers, and regular monitoring of repository access logs for suspicious activity patterns. Security teams should also consider implementing network-level controls to restrict access to subversion repositories and establish comprehensive monitoring procedures to detect unauthorized access attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date software components and proper access control implementations in version control systems that house sensitive organizational data.