CVE-2018-3650 in INTEL Distribution for Python
Summary
by MITRE
Insufficient Input Validation in Bleach module in INTEL Distribution for Python versions prior to IDP 2018 Update 2 allows unprivileged user to bypass URI sanitization via local vector.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/12/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-3650 resides within the Bleach module of Intel Distribution for Python, specifically affecting versions prior to IDP 2018 Update 2. This security flaw represents a critical weakness in input validation mechanisms that could enable arbitrary code execution or data manipulation by unprivileged users. The issue manifests through a local attack vector where malicious input can circumvent URI sanitization controls, potentially allowing attackers to inject harmful content into applications that rely on the Bleach module for content filtering. The vulnerability directly impacts the integrity and security of web applications that utilize Intel's Python distribution for processing user-generated content, particularly those handling HTML sanitization and content validation tasks.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the Bleach module's URI handling functionality. When processing user-supplied data, the module fails to properly validate and sanitize Uniform Resource Identifiers, allowing specially crafted inputs to bypass security checks that should prevent potentially dangerous URI schemes or malformed URLs from being processed. This weakness creates an attack surface where malicious actors can exploit the insufficient validation to inject unauthorized content or redirect users to malicious destinations. The flaw operates at the application layer and can be leveraged by local users who have access to the system but lack administrative privileges, making it particularly concerning for environments where multiple users share the same system resources.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-3650 extends beyond simple data corruption, as it can lead to more severe consequences including cross-site scripting attacks, unauthorized redirection of web traffic, and potential privilege escalation within affected applications. Applications that rely on the Bleach module for HTML sanitization may become vulnerable to injection attacks that could compromise user sessions or facilitate data exfiltration. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-20, which describes improper input validation, and represents a classic example of how insufficient sanitization can create persistent security weaknesses in web applications. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving input validation bypass and privilege escalation, potentially enabling adversaries to establish persistent access or move laterally within compromised environments.
Organizations utilizing Intel Distribution for Python should immediately implement mitigations including updating to IDP 2018 Update 2 or later versions where the vulnerability has been addressed. Additionally, administrators should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify applications that depend on the Bleach module and ensure proper input validation is implemented at multiple layers of the application stack. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous URI patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, while network segmentation and access controls should be reviewed to limit potential attack vectors. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date software components and implementing robust input validation practices across all application layers, particularly in environments where multiple users share system resources and where content sanitization is a critical security control.