CVE-2024-38353 in codimd
Summary
by MITRE • 07/10/2024
CodiMD allows realtime collaborative markdown notes on all platforms. CodiMD before 2.5.4 is missing authentication and access control vulnerability allowing an unauthenticated attacker to gain unauthorised access to image data uploaded to CodiMD. CodiMD does not require valid authentication to access uploaded images or to upload new image data. An attacker who can determine an uploaded image's URL can gain unauthorised access to uploaded image data. Due to the insecure random filename generation in the underlying Formidable library, an attacker can determine the filenames for previously uploaded images and the likelihood of this issue being exploited is increased. This vulnerability is fixed in 2.5.4.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/11/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-38353 affects CodiMD versions prior to 2.5.4, representing a critical security flaw in the collaborative markdown note-taking platform. This issue stems from insufficient authentication and access control mechanisms that permit unauthenticated attackers to gain unauthorized access to image data uploaded to the system. The vulnerability exists because CodiMD does not enforce valid authentication requirements for accessing uploaded images or for uploading new image data, creating a significant exposure in the platform's security architecture.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves insecure random filename generation within the underlying Formidable library, which serves as a foundational component for file handling operations. This weakness in the randomization algorithm allows attackers to predict or determine the filenames of previously uploaded images, effectively enabling them to access image data that should remain protected. The predictable filename generation creates a direct pathway for attackers to enumerate and retrieve stored images without proper authorization, fundamentally undermining the platform's data protection measures. This flaw aligns with CWE-330, which addresses the use of insecure random number generators in security-critical contexts, and represents a clear violation of proper access control principles.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is substantial as it allows attackers to access sensitive image data that may contain confidential information, proprietary content, or personal data uploaded by users. The ability to determine image URLs and access them without authentication creates a persistent threat vector that could be exploited by malicious actors to harvest data from collaborative environments. Attackers can systematically discover and retrieve uploaded images, potentially compromising user privacy and organizational security. This vulnerability particularly affects collaborative platforms where users frequently upload images as part of their documentation processes, creating a significant risk for organizations relying on CodiMD for sensitive work environments.
The mitigation strategy for this vulnerability requires immediate upgrade to CodiMD version 2.5.4 or later, which includes fixed authentication and access control mechanisms. Organizations should implement proper authentication enforcement for all file operations and ensure that access controls are properly enforced for uploaded content. The fix addresses the insecure random filename generation issue by implementing more robust randomization algorithms within the Formidable library, preventing attackers from predicting image filenames. Security teams should also conduct thorough audits of file access patterns and implement monitoring for unauthorized access attempts. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper random number generation in security contexts and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1213.002, which covers data from information repositories, emphasizing the need for proper access controls and authentication mechanisms to prevent unauthorized data access.