CVE-2018-12474 in Open Build Service
Summary
by MITRE
Improper input validation in obs-service-tar_scm of Open Build Service allows remote attackers to cause access and extract information outside the current build or cause the creation of file in attacker controlled locations. Affected releases are openSUSE Open Build Service: versions prior to 51a17c553b6ae2598820b7a90fd0c11502a49106.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/23/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-12474 resides within the obs-service-tar_scm component of the Open Build Service platform, representing a critical improper input validation flaw that exposes systems to remote code execution and unauthorized file access. This issue specifically affects Open Build Service versions prior to the commit hash 51a17c553b6ae2598820b7a90fd0c11502a49106, creating a significant security risk for organizations relying on this build automation framework. The vulnerability stems from insufficient sanitization of user-provided input during tar archive extraction processes, allowing malicious actors to manipulate path traversal mechanisms and gain access to unintended file system locations.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability leverages path traversal techniques that bypass normal file system access controls through improper validation of archive member names and paths. When the obs-service-tar_scm component processes tar archives, it fails to adequately sanitize the paths contained within these archives, enabling attackers to specify arbitrary file paths that can result in files being created or accessed outside the intended build environment. This flaw operates at the intersection of CWE-22 Path Traversal and CWE-73 Path Traversal, combining directory traversal capabilities with file system manipulation to create a comprehensive attack vector. The vulnerability specifically aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell, as it enables attackers to execute commands through manipulated file system access patterns that can ultimately lead to arbitrary code execution within the build environment.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-12474 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it creates potential for complete system compromise through unauthorized file creation and access. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to place malicious files in controlled locations, potentially leading to privilege escalation or persistent backdoors within the build infrastructure. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of the entire build process, as it allows attackers to access sensitive build artifacts, configuration files, and potentially compromise the supply chain security of software being built through the Open Build Service. Organizations using this platform face risks of data leakage, unauthorized code execution, and potential compromise of their entire software development pipeline, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where build systems handle sensitive proprietary code.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-12474 require immediate patching of affected Open Build Service installations to the version containing commit 51a17c553b6ae2598820b7a90fd0c11502a49106 or later. Organizations should also implement additional security controls including mandatory input validation for all tar archive processing, restriction of build service permissions to minimal required access levels, and implementation of network segmentation to limit access to build environments. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation in automated build systems and highlights the need for comprehensive security testing of service components that handle external input. Security teams should also consider implementing monitoring for unusual file system access patterns and automated scanning for similar vulnerabilities in other build service components that may exhibit similar path traversal behaviors. Regular security audits of build infrastructure and implementation of principle of least privilege access controls will help reduce the overall risk exposure associated with this class of vulnerabilities.