CVE-2017-11348 in Deploy
Summary
by MITRE
In Octopus Deploy 3.x before 3.15.4, an authenticated user with PackagePush permission to upload packages could upload a maliciously crafted NuGet package, potentially overwriting other packages or modifying system files. This is a directory traversal in the PackageId value.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/13/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-11348 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within Octopus Deploy version 3.x prior to 3.15.4. This security weakness specifically affects authenticated users who possess PackagePush permissions, creating a significant risk for organizations relying on this deployment automation platform. The vulnerability stems from improper validation of the PackageId value during NuGet package upload processes, allowing malicious actors to manipulate file paths and potentially overwrite legitimate packages or modify critical system files. The flaw manifests as a directory traversal attack vector that exploits insufficient input sanitization mechanisms within the package handling workflow.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the manipulation of the PackageId parameter within NuGet package metadata, where attackers can inject directory traversal sequences such as ../ or ..\ to navigate outside the intended package storage directories. This allows unauthorized file system access and modification capabilities, as the system fails to properly validate or sanitize the PackageId value against potential malicious path sequences. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-22 - Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory, which is a well-established weakness in software security that occurs when applications fail to properly restrict file system access. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that the vulnerability requires only PackagePush permissions, which are often granted to developers and operations personnel within organizations, making it accessible to users who may not have full administrative privileges.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability enables attackers to potentially overwrite legitimate packages stored in the Octopus Deploy repository, leading to supply chain compromise scenarios where malicious packages replace trusted components. Additionally, the ability to modify system files through directory traversal opens possibilities for privilege escalation and persistent access within the deployment environment. The vulnerability can be exploited to inject malicious code into the deployment pipeline, potentially compromising the integrity of automated deployment processes across multiple environments. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability aligns with T1059 - Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1078 - Valid Accounts, as it leverages legitimate user permissions to execute malicious operations within the system. Organizations using Octopus Deploy are at risk of having their deployment pipelines compromised, leading to potential data breaches, service disruptions, and unauthorized access to production environments.
The recommended mitigations for this vulnerability include immediate patching to version 3.15.4 or later, which implements proper input validation for PackageId values to prevent directory traversal sequences. Organizations should also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit which users can perform PackagePush operations, reducing the attack surface. Additional defensive measures include monitoring package upload activities, implementing file integrity checking mechanisms, and conducting regular security audits of the deployment infrastructure. Security teams should also consider implementing automated package scanning tools that can detect potentially malicious packages before they are deployed. The vulnerability underscores the importance of proper input validation and secure coding practices, particularly when handling user-supplied data in file system operations, and serves as a reminder of the critical need for regular security updates and vulnerability management processes within deployment automation platforms.