CVE-2017-8037 in Cloud Foundry
Summary
by MITRE
In Cloud Foundry Foundation CAPI-release versions after v1.6.0 and prior to v1.38.0 and cf-release versions after v244 and prior to v270, there is an incomplete fix for CVE-2017-8035. If you took steps to remediate CVE-2017-8035 you should also upgrade to fix this CVE. A carefully crafted CAPI request from a Space Developer can allow them to gain access to files on the Cloud Controller VM for that installation, aka an Information Leak / Disclosure.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/09/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-8037 represents a critical information disclosure flaw within Cloud Foundry's Cloud Application Programming Interface release ecosystem. This issue affects specific version ranges of both CAPI-release and cf-release installations, creating a persistent security gap that extends beyond the initial remediation efforts for CVE-2017-8035. The vulnerability operates through a sophisticated attack vector that exploits incomplete patching mechanisms, allowing malicious actors with specific privileges to access sensitive system resources. The affected environment includes Cloud Foundry installations where CAPI-release versions fall between v1.6.0 and v1.38.0, while cf-release versions span from v244 through v270, creating a substantial attack surface for adversaries targeting cloud infrastructure.
The technical flaw underlying CVE-2017-8037 stems from inadequate access controls within the Cloud Controller's file handling mechanisms. Space Developers, who typically possess limited privileges within the Cloud Foundry environment, can exploit a carefully constructed CAPI request to bypass normal file access restrictions. This vulnerability manifests as an information leak that allows unauthorized access to files residing on the Cloud Controller virtual machine itself. The flaw essentially creates a path traversal or privilege escalation vector that enables attackers to read system files, configuration data, and potentially sensitive application artifacts. The incomplete fix for CVE-2017-8035 leaves residual vulnerabilities that permit this specific type of information disclosure attack to persist, making the remediation process more complex and requiring comprehensive version upgrades rather than simple patch application.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-8037 extends beyond simple data exposure, creating significant risks for organizations relying on Cloud Foundry infrastructure. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability can potentially access critical system files, application configurations, database connection details, and other sensitive artifacts that could facilitate further attacks. The information leak could expose credentials, encryption keys, or other confidential data stored on the Cloud Controller VM, enabling attackers to escalate their privileges or conduct more sophisticated operations. This vulnerability particularly affects multi-tenant cloud environments where Space Developers might have legitimate access to certain resources but should not be able to access system-level files. The impact is compounded by the fact that this vulnerability exists in widely deployed versions of Cloud Foundry, making it a prime target for automated exploitation campaigns.
Organizations must implement immediate remediation strategies to address CVE-2017-8037, as the vulnerability creates persistent exposure risks that could lead to significant security incidents. The recommended mitigation involves upgrading to patched versions of both CAPI-release and cf-release, specifically moving beyond the vulnerable version ranges mentioned in the advisory. Security teams should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify systems running affected versions and prioritize remediation efforts accordingly. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-200 (Information Exposure) and represents a specific implementation flaw in the Cloud Foundry access control system. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving privilege escalation and information gathering, potentially enabling adversaries to move laterally within cloud environments. Organizations should also implement monitoring solutions to detect unusual file access patterns and consider implementing network segmentation to limit the potential impact of such vulnerabilities. The remediation process requires careful planning to ensure that upgrades do not disrupt existing applications while maintaining security posture throughout the transition period.