CVE-2024-24565 in CrateDB
Summary
by MITRE • 01/30/2024
CrateDB is a distributed SQL database that makes it simple to store and analyze massive amounts of data in real-time. There is a COPY FROM function in the CrateDB database that is used to import file data into database tables. This function has a flaw, and authenticated attackers can use the COPY FROM function to import arbitrary file content into database tables, resulting in information leakage. This vulnerability is patched in 5.3.9, 5.4.8, 5.5.4, and 5.6.1.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/22/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-24565 affects CrateDB, a distributed SQL database system designed for real-time data storage and analysis. This database platform provides a COPY FROM function that enables users to import data from files into database tables, serving as a critical data ingestion mechanism for administrators and developers. The flaw resides within the file import functionality that lacks proper validation and sanitization of input file paths and content, creating a path traversal and arbitrary file access vulnerability. Attackers with valid authentication credentials can exploit this weakness to manipulate the COPY FROM operation and import content from unauthorized files located outside the intended import directories, potentially accessing sensitive system files, configuration data, or other restricted resources within the database server's file system. The vulnerability represents a significant security risk as it allows authenticated users to bypass normal file access controls and extract confidential information from the underlying operating system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation within the COPY FROM function's file handling mechanisms. When users execute COPY FROM commands, the system should validate that imported file paths remain within designated boundaries and that file contents conform to expected data formats. However, the flawed implementation fails to properly sanitize file paths, allowing attackers to craft malicious import commands that reference files outside the intended scope. This weakness can be exploited through directory traversal techniques where attackers append relative path components such as "../" to navigate to restricted directories. The vulnerability enables information disclosure by allowing unauthorized file reads, potentially exposing database credentials, system configuration files, application logs, or other sensitive data that may be stored in accessible locations within the file system. According to CWE classification, this vulnerability maps to CWE-22 Path Traversal, which is a well-documented weakness in input validation that allows attackers to access files and directories outside the intended scope of the application.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-24565 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can lead to more severe consequences depending on the system configuration and the attacker's privileges within the database. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can potentially access sensitive data that might include user credentials, database connection strings, encryption keys, or system configuration information that could be leveraged for further attacks. The vulnerability affects all versions prior to 5.3.9, 5.4.8, 5.5.4, and 5.6.1, indicating that organizations running these older versions are at risk of unauthorized data access. The attack vector requires authentication, which reduces the attack surface compared to unauthenticated vulnerabilities, but still poses a significant threat to systems where privileged database users may be compromised or where least privilege principles are not properly enforced. Organizations should consider this vulnerability in the context of the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly under the T1078 Valid Accounts and T1566 Phishing tactics, as it could be exploited through compromised credentials to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information.
The remediation for CVE-2024-24565 requires immediate patching of affected CrateDB installations to versions 5.3.9, 5.4.8, 5.5.4, or 5.6.1, which contain the necessary fixes for the COPY FROM function's input validation. Organizations should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify all instances of affected CrateDB versions within their environment and prioritize patching based on risk assessment and business criticality. Additionally, system administrators should implement enhanced monitoring of COPY FROM operations and database access logs to detect anomalous file import activities that might indicate exploitation attempts. Security controls should include restricting database user privileges to minimize the impact of potential credential compromise, implementing network segmentation to limit access to database systems, and establishing proper file system access controls that prevent unauthorized access to sensitive system files. The vulnerability underscores the importance of proper input validation and the principle of least privilege in database security, as it demonstrates how a seemingly simple file import function can become a vector for significant information disclosure when proper security controls are not implemented. Organizations should also consider implementing database activity monitoring solutions that can detect and alert on suspicious COPY FROM operations, particularly those involving unusual file paths or attempts to access system directories.