CVE-2020-7652 in snyk-broker
Summary
by MITRE
All versions of snyk-broker before 4.80.0 are vulnerable to Arbitrary File Read. It allows arbitrary file reads for users with access to Snyk's internal network via directory traversal.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/30/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-7652 affects snyk-broker versions prior to 4.80.0 and represents a critical arbitrary file read flaw that stems from inadequate input validation and directory traversal protection mechanisms. This vulnerability specifically impacts systems where snyk-broker is deployed and accessible to internal network users, creating a significant attack surface for malicious actors who can leverage this weakness to access sensitive files and data that should remain protected within the organization's infrastructure.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows attackers to exploit directory traversal patterns within the snyk-broker service by crafting malicious requests that bypass normal file access controls. The flaw exists in the way the broker handles file path resolution and validation, enabling unauthorized users to navigate through the file system hierarchy and read files that are not intended for public access. This typically occurs when user-supplied input is directly incorporated into file path operations without proper sanitization or validation checks, creating a path traversal vulnerability that falls under the CWE-22 category of Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data exposure, as it can potentially lead to the disclosure of sensitive configuration files, authentication credentials, source code repositories, and other confidential information that resides on the same network segment as the vulnerable snyk-broker service. Attackers with access to the internal network can exploit this vulnerability to gain insights into the organization's infrastructure, potentially leading to further compromise through lateral movement or privilege escalation. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires only network access to the internal snyk-broker service, making it accessible to any user who can establish a connection to the internal network segment where the service operates.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including updating to snyk-broker version 4.80.0 or later, which contains the necessary patches to prevent directory traversal attacks. Network segmentation and access controls should be strengthened to limit who can access the snyk-broker service, while monitoring systems should be configured to detect unusual file access patterns. Additionally, organizations should conduct thorough security assessments to identify any other services that may be vulnerable to similar directory traversal attacks, as this represents a common weakness in many networked applications. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1005 for Data from Local System and T1071.004 for Application Layer Protocol: DNS, as attackers may use the compromised broker service to exfiltrate data through various network protocols.
This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation and proper file access controls in security-sensitive applications, particularly those that operate within internal network environments where traditional perimeter defenses may not be sufficient to prevent internal threats. The issue highlights the need for comprehensive security testing including penetration testing and code reviews that specifically target path traversal vulnerabilities, as these flaws can persist in applications even when other security measures are properly implemented. Organizations should also consider implementing automated security scanning tools that can identify similar vulnerabilities in their codebase and third-party components to prevent exploitation of similar weaknesses in other systems.