CVE-2017-1000026 in mixlib-archive
Summary
by MITRE
Chef Software's mixlib-archive versions 0.3.0 and older are vulnerable to a directory traversal attack allowing attackers to overwrite arbitrary files by using ".." in tar archive entries
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/29/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-1000026 affects Chef Software's mixlib-archive library versions 0.3.0 and earlier, presenting a critical directory traversal flaw that enables remote code execution through malicious tar archive manipulation. This vulnerability resides in the archive extraction process where the library fails to properly sanitize path components within tar archives, specifically allowing attackers to exploit the ".." directory traversal sequences that are commonly used to navigate up directory hierarchies. The flaw operates at the file system level during archive decompression, making it particularly dangerous as it can be leveraged to overwrite critical system files or inject malicious code into the target environment. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-22, which defines path traversal or directory traversal vulnerabilities that occur when applications fail to properly validate or sanitize input containing directory path components.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the inherent behavior of tar archive extraction where entries containing ".." sequences are interpreted as requests to move up one directory level in the file system hierarchy. When the mixlib-archive library processes these entries without proper validation, it allows the extraction process to write files outside of the intended target directory, potentially overwriting system binaries, configuration files, or other critical resources. Attackers can craft malicious tar archives containing entries with multiple ".." sequences to traverse multiple directory levels and place malicious files at arbitrary locations within the file system. This vulnerability is particularly concerning because it can be exploited through various attack vectors including remote file inclusion, package installation processes, or any scenario where untrusted tar archives are extracted by applications using the vulnerable library.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-1000026 extends beyond simple file overwrites to encompass full system compromise and persistent backdoor installation capabilities. When exploited successfully, attackers can replace critical system binaries such as shell utilities, network tools, or system management components with malicious versions that maintain persistence and provide continued access to compromised systems. The vulnerability affects not only individual workstations but also entire infrastructure deployments where Chef configurations are used for system management and automation, potentially allowing attackers to gain administrative control over large numbers of systems simultaneously. This represents a significant risk in enterprise environments where Chef is commonly deployed for configuration management, as the vulnerability can be leveraged to compromise entire infrastructure fleets through a single compromised archive or package.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-1000026 require immediate action to upgrade to mixlib-archive version 0.3.1 or later, which includes proper path validation and sanitization mechanisms that prevent directory traversal attacks. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management processes to identify and remediate all systems using vulnerable versions of the library, including both direct installations and indirect dependencies within larger software ecosystems. Network segmentation and access controls should be strengthened to limit the potential impact of exploitation, particularly in environments where automated deployment processes might inadvertently execute untrusted archives. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect suspicious file system modifications, especially those involving critical system directories or binary files, as these could indicate successful exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter usage and T1078.004 for valid accounts to establish persistence, making it a significant concern for incident response teams and security operations centers. Organizations should also consider implementing additional controls such as file integrity monitoring, application whitelisting, and automated vulnerability scanning to prevent similar issues from occurring in other components of their software supply chain.