CVE-2017-16038 : Security Advisory and Response

CVE-2017-16038, published on April 26, 2018, addresses a directory traversal vulnerability in the

f2e-server

node module.

Understanding CVE-2017-16038

This CVE entry highlights a security issue in the

f2e-server

module that could lead to account hijacking.

What is CVE-2017-16038?

The vulnerability in

f2e-server

versions up to 1.12.11 allows attackers to access the filesystem by manipulating the URL.

The Impact of CVE-2017-16038

The flaw enables unauthorized access to sensitive files due to the directory traversal vulnerability, posing a risk of account hijacking.

Technical Details of CVE-2017-16038

The technical aspects of the vulnerability are crucial to understanding its implications.

Vulnerability Description

f2e-server

versions <= 1.12.11 are prone to a directory traversal issue
Attackers can exploit this flaw by inserting "../" in the URL
The vulnerability is exacerbated by the elevated privileges required by

f2e-server

Affected Systems and Versions

Product:

f2e-server node module

Vendor: HackerOne
Vulnerable Versions: <= 1.12.11

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers manipulate the URL by inserting directory traversal sequences to gain unauthorized access

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2017-16038 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Upgrade

f2e-server

to a non-vulnerable version
Implement input validation to prevent directory traversal attacks
Monitor and restrict access to sensitive directories

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update software and apply security patches
Conduct security audits to identify and mitigate similar vulnerabilities

Patching and Updates

Apply patches provided by HackerOne or the official

f2e-server

repository to fix the vulnerability