CVE-2018-1000023 in Insight-api
Summary
by MITRE
Bitpay/insight-api Insight-api version 5.0.0 and earlier contains a CWE-20: input validation vulnerability in transaction broadcast endpoint that can result in Full Path Disclosure. This attack appear to be exploitable via Web request.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/06/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-1000023 affects the Bitpay/insight-api software version 5.0.0 and earlier, representing a critical input validation flaw classified under CWE-20. This vulnerability exists within the transaction broadcast endpoint of the insight-api system, which serves as a blockchain explorer and API interface for cryptocurrency transactions. The flaw allows attackers to manipulate input parameters through web requests to exploit the system's inadequate validation mechanisms. When exploited, this vulnerability can lead to full path disclosure, exposing sensitive server path information that could aid in further attacks against the system infrastructure. The attack vector is straightforward and accessible via standard web requests, making it particularly dangerous as it requires minimal technical expertise to exploit. The vulnerability stems from the application's failure to properly sanitize and validate user inputs before processing them within the transaction broadcast functionality, creating an entry point for malicious actors to extract system information.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates poor defensive programming practices where the system does not adequately filter or validate incoming data from web requests. When a user submits a transaction through the broadcast endpoint, the system fails to properly validate the input parameters, allowing potentially malicious data to be processed without sufficient sanitization. This lack of input validation creates conditions where attackers can manipulate the request parameters to trigger the disclosure of the server's full file path structure. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it directly impacts the system's ability to maintain information security boundaries and can provide attackers with detailed knowledge of the server's internal structure, which can then be leveraged for more sophisticated attacks. The issue is classified as a path disclosure vulnerability because it reveals the complete file system path to the application, potentially exposing directory structures, file names, and other sensitive operational details that should remain hidden from external access.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-1000023 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it creates a foundation for more severe attacks within the cryptocurrency infrastructure. Full path disclosure can provide attackers with detailed information about the server environment, including the exact location of application files, configuration settings, and potentially sensitive system paths that could be exploited in subsequent attack phases. This vulnerability particularly affects blockchain explorers and API services that handle cryptocurrency transactions, making it a significant concern for financial institutions and cryptocurrency service providers. The exposure of system paths can enable attackers to craft more targeted attacks, potentially leading to privilege escalation, data theft, or system compromise. Additionally, the vulnerability's accessibility via simple web requests means that even automated scanning tools can identify and exploit the flaw, increasing the potential attack surface and making it a high-priority issue for organizations managing cryptocurrency infrastructure.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including updating to a patched version of the insight-api software, implementing comprehensive input validation controls, and deploying web application firewalls to monitor and filter malicious requests. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and script injection, where attackers could use the disclosed paths to craft more sophisticated attacks. Security measures should include regular input validation testing, comprehensive code reviews focusing on user input handling, and implementation of proper error handling that does not expose system paths. System administrators should also consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit the potential impact of exploitation. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation as outlined in CWE-20, which emphasizes that inadequate input validation is one of the most common causes of security vulnerabilities in web applications. Organizations should also establish monitoring protocols to detect unusual patterns of requests that might indicate exploitation attempts and maintain updated threat intelligence to understand potential attack vectors targeting cryptocurrency infrastructure.