CVE-2024-49367 in Nginx-UI
Summary
by MITRE • 10/21/2024
Nginx UI is a web user interface for the Nginx web server. Prior to version 2.0.0-beta.36, the log path of nginxui is controllable. This issue can be combined with the directory traversal at `/api/configs` to read directories and file contents on the server. Version 2.0.0-beta.36 fixes the issue.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/24/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-49367 affects Nginx UI, a web-based user interface designed to manage Nginx web server configurations. This tool serves as an administrative interface that allows users to interact with Nginx server settings through a graphical web application rather than command-line interfaces. The vulnerability exists in versions prior to 2.0.0-beta.36, where the application fails to properly validate or sanitize user input related to log path specifications, creating a dangerous condition that can be exploited by malicious actors.
The technical flaw manifests through a combination of two distinct vulnerabilities that together create a severe security risk. The primary issue involves controllable log paths within the Nginx UI application, which allows attackers to manipulate the location where log files are written or read. This controllability is further amplified by a directory traversal vulnerability present at the /api/configs endpoint. When combined, these weaknesses enable an attacker to navigate beyond the intended directory boundaries and access arbitrary files on the server filesystem. The vulnerability directly relates to CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as directory traversal or path traversal attacks. This weakness falls under the broader category of improper input validation that allows attackers to manipulate file system access.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant and potentially devastating for systems running affected versions of Nginx UI. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to read sensitive configuration files, access log files containing potentially sensitive information, and possibly extract credentials or other confidential data stored in the server's file system. The ability to traverse directories means that an attacker could potentially access critical system files, application source code, database connection strings, or other sensitive materials that should remain protected. This vulnerability creates a persistent threat that can be exploited repeatedly, allowing for reconnaissance, data exfiltration, and potentially further compromise of the underlying system. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires no special privileges beyond basic access to the Nginx UI web interface, making it accessible to anyone who can authenticate to the application.
The mitigation for this vulnerability is straightforward yet critical for maintaining system security. Organizations must upgrade to Nginx UI version 2.0.0-beta.36 or later, which includes fixes for both the controllable log path issue and the directory traversal vulnerability. The fix implemented in the updated version likely involves proper input sanitization, strict path validation, and enforcement of secure file access controls. Security teams should also conduct thorough assessments of their Nginx UI installations to ensure all instances have been updated and verify that no older versions remain operational. Additional defensive measures include implementing network segmentation to limit access to the Nginx UI interface, enforcing strong authentication controls, and monitoring for suspicious access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083, which covers directory and file discovery, and T1566, which covers credential harvesting through various attack vectors. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and regular security scanning to detect and prevent similar vulnerabilities from being exploited in other components of their infrastructure.