CVE-2024-47871 in Gradio
Summary
by MITRE • 10/11/2024
Gradio is an open-source Python package designed for quick prototyping. This vulnerability involves **insecure communication** between the FRP (Fast Reverse Proxy) client and server when Gradio's `share=True` option is used. HTTPS is not enforced on the connection, allowing attackers to intercept and read files uploaded to the Gradio server, as well as modify responses or data sent between the client and server. This impacts users who are sharing Gradio demos publicly over the internet using `share=True` without proper encryption, exposing sensitive data to potential eavesdroppers. Users are advised to upgrade to `gradio>=5` to address this issue. As a workaround, users can avoid using `share=True` in production environments and instead host their Gradio applications on servers with HTTPS enabled to ensure secure communication.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/11/2024
CVE-2024-47871 represents a critical security vulnerability in the Gradio framework that specifically targets insecure communication channels when the `share=True` functionality is enabled. This vulnerability stems from the improper handling of network connections between the Gradio client and server components, particularly when utilizing the FRP (Fast Reverse Proxy) infrastructure for public sharing. The flaw manifests when users attempt to expose their Gradio applications to the internet through the automated sharing feature, creating an attack surface where sensitive data can be intercepted without proper encryption mechanisms. The vulnerability falls under the category of insecure communication protocols and directly impacts the confidentiality and integrity of data transmitted between client and server components.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the Gradio framework establishes connections through the FRP proxy without enforcing HTTPS encryption. This creates a man-in-the-middle attack vector where network traffic can be intercepted and read by malicious actors. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows attackers to not only read uploaded files but also to modify responses and data flowing between the client and server components. The insecure communication channel means that any data transmitted through the shared Gradio application can be exposed to eavesdropping, potentially compromising sensitive information including user inputs, application responses, and uploaded files. This flaw is categorized as CWE-319 - Cleartext Transmission of Sensitive Information, which specifically addresses the transmission of sensitive data in an unencrypted format over networks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data interception to encompass potential data manipulation and unauthorized access to Gradio applications. When users deploy applications with `share=True` in production environments, they inadvertently expose their systems to attacks that can compromise the integrity of the application and the privacy of users. The vulnerability affects users who rely on Gradio's automatic sharing feature for demonstration purposes, creating a significant risk for organizations that may unknowingly expose sensitive data through publicly accessible Gradio applications. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to uploaded content, potentially accessing confidential information or modifying application behavior through response manipulation. This vulnerability directly impacts the security posture of any organization using Gradio in production environments without proper encryption controls.
Security mitigations for CVE-2024-47871 primarily involve upgrading to Gradio version 5.0 or later, which implements proper HTTPS enforcement for shared connections. The recommended approach includes avoiding the use of `share=True` in production environments and instead implementing proper hosting solutions with HTTPS enabled. Organizations should consider implementing additional security controls such as network segmentation, firewall rules, and proper certificate management for any Gradio applications that require public access. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and proper network security configurations when deploying web applications. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1041 - Exfiltration Over C2 Channel and T1566 - Phishing, as attackers can leverage the insecure communication to intercept sensitive data. The recommended security controls align with NIST SP 800-53 controls for secure communication and data protection, emphasizing the need for proper encryption and access controls for network communications.