CVE-2016-8752 in Atlas
Summary
by MITRE
Apache Atlas versions 0.6.0 (incubating), 0.7.0 (incubating), and 0.7.1 (incubating) allow access to the webapp directory contents by pointing to URIs like /js and /img.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/11/2019
Apache Atlas version 0.6.0 through 0.7.1 suffers from an improper access control vulnerability that enables unauthorized directory traversal and information disclosure. This flaw exists in the web application's resource handling mechanism, where the application fails to properly validate and restrict access to static content directories. The vulnerability specifically affects URIs such as /js and /img which are intended to serve static assets but can be accessed without proper authentication or authorization checks. This misconfiguration allows attackers to directly access web application directories that should remain protected, potentially exposing sensitive files, configuration data, or application source code that could aid in further exploitation attempts. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and path traversal controls within the web framework's resource resolution logic.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic lack of proper access control enforcement in web applications. When users request resources from paths like /js or /img, the application should validate that these requests originate from legitimate sources and that appropriate authorization levels are maintained. However, in affected versions, the application fails to implement proper access controls for these directories, allowing any unauthenticated user to enumerate and access content that should be restricted. This misconfiguration falls under the CWE-284 access control weakness category, specifically representing improper access control where the system does not properly enforce access restrictions on resources. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it can be exploited to gain insights into the application's structure and potentially discover sensitive information that could be used in subsequent attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with a foothold for more sophisticated attacks. By accessing the /js and /img directories, adversaries can potentially discover application dependencies, version information, or even source code fragments that reveal implementation details. This information disclosure can be leveraged to identify other vulnerabilities through fingerprinting techniques or to craft more targeted attacks against known application components. The vulnerability aligns with several ATT&CK techniques including T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and T1592 (Vulnerability Discovery) as attackers can systematically enumerate directories and identify potential attack vectors. Organizations running affected versions of Apache Atlas are at risk of having their web application architecture exposed, which could lead to privilege escalation or other security breaches depending on what sensitive information is stored within these directories.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper access controls and input validation mechanisms. Organizations should immediately upgrade to Apache Atlas version 0.8.0 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address this access control flaw. Additionally, administrators should review and harden the web application's configuration to ensure that static content directories are properly protected and that all resource access requests are validated against appropriate authorization policies. Network-level controls such as web application firewalls can provide additional protection by filtering suspicious requests to known vulnerable paths. Security monitoring should be implemented to detect attempts to access protected directories, and regular security assessments should be conducted to identify similar access control weaknesses in other applications. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper security configuration and access control enforcement, which should be considered during all phases of the software development lifecycle.