CVE-2019-17050 in Voyager Package
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered in the Voyager package through 1.2.7 for Laravel. An attacker with admin privileges and Compass access can read or delete arbitrary files, such as the .env file. NOTE: a software maintainer has suggested a solution in which Compass is switched off in a production environment.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/29/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-17050 affects the Voyager package version 1.2.7 and earlier implementations within Laravel applications. This represents a critical access control flaw that allows authenticated administrators with Compass interface privileges to perform unauthorized file operations on the underlying system. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and access restriction mechanisms within the Compass administrative interface, which is designed to provide content management capabilities for Voyager-powered applications. The affected system allows for arbitrary file read and delete operations, creating a severe privilege escalation vector that can be exploited by malicious actors who have already gained administrative access.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability resides in the file management functionality of the Compass interface, which lacks proper authorization checks for file operations. When administrators access the Compass dashboard, the system fails to validate whether the requested file operations are permitted within the application's security boundaries. This flaw specifically affects the .env file and other sensitive configuration files that typically contain database credentials, API keys, and other critical system information. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited through direct manipulation of the Compass interface parameters or through automated tools that can craft malicious requests to the vulnerable endpoints. This weakness aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control in software applications, and represents a classic case of insufficient authorization checks that enable privilege escalation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with the ability to completely compromise the application's security posture. Successful exploitation can lead to complete system takeover, data exfiltration, and potential lateral movement within the network. The .env file access is particularly dangerous as it typically contains database connection strings, encryption keys, and other sensitive credentials that can be used to access additional systems. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to read configuration files, delete critical application components, or even inject malicious code into the system. The consequences can include service disruption, data loss, compliance violations, and significant financial impact. This vulnerability also enables attackers to maintain persistent access through the manipulation of configuration files and can facilitate further attacks against the broader infrastructure.
The recommended mitigation strategy, as suggested by the software maintainer, involves disabling the Compass interface in production environments where the vulnerability exists. This approach aligns with the principle of least privilege and follows security best practices by reducing the attack surface. Organizations should implement proper access controls and ensure that administrative interfaces are only accessible from trusted networks with appropriate authentication mechanisms. Additionally, the application should be updated to the latest version of the Voyager package where the vulnerability has been addressed through proper input validation and access control mechanisms. Security teams should also implement network segmentation, monitor administrative access logs, and conduct regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the application stack. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing to ensure that the updated configuration maintains application functionality while eliminating the security risk.