CVE-2018-3715 in Glance
Summary
by MITRE
glance node module before 3.0.4 suffers from a Path Traversal vulnerability due to lack of validation of path passed to it, which allows a malicious user to read content of any file with known path.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/21/2023
The CVE-2018-3715 vulnerability affects the glance node module version 3.0.3 and earlier, representing a critical path traversal flaw that exposes applications to unauthorized file access. This vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation within the module's path handling mechanisms, creating a direct attack vector for malicious actors to access arbitrary files on the system. The issue specifically manifests when the module processes file paths without proper sanitization, allowing attackers to manipulate input parameters to traverse the file system beyond intended boundaries.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-22 Path Traversal, which describes the condition where untrusted input is used to construct file paths without adequate validation or sanitization. The flaw enables attackers to craft malicious requests that can access files anywhere within the system's file structure, potentially leading to sensitive data exposure including configuration files, database credentials, application source code, and system binaries. This vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited through various attack vectors including direct API calls, web interface interactions, or through other modules that depend on glance.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to organizations using the affected module, particularly those handling sensitive data or operating in regulated environments. Attackers can leverage this flaw to extract confidential information, potentially leading to data breaches, system compromise, or further escalation attacks. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal technical skill and can be automated, making it particularly dangerous in environments where the module is exposed to untrusted users or external networks. Organizations may face compliance violations, regulatory penalties, and reputational damage if sensitive data is accessed through this vulnerability.
The recommended mitigation strategy involves upgrading to glance module version 3.0.4 or later, which includes proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms to prevent path traversal attacks. Security teams should also implement additional defensive measures including input validation at multiple layers, implementing proper access controls, and monitoring for suspicious file access patterns. Network segmentation and least privilege principles should be enforced to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation. Organizations should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify all instances of the affected module and ensure proper patch management procedures are in place. This vulnerability also highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and implementing proper validation mechanisms as outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly in the context of file system access controls and input sanitization techniques.