CVE-2017-18026 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

Redmine versions prior to 3.2.9, 3.3.x before 3.3.6, and 3.4.x before 3.4.4 have a vulnerability allowing remote attackers to execute unauthorized commands via the Mercurial hg program.

Understanding CVE-2017-18026

This CVE involves a security vulnerability in Redmine that could be exploited by attackers to run unauthorized commands.

What is CVE-2017-18026?

Redmine versions before 3.2.9, 3.3.x before 3.3.6, and 3.4.x before 3.4.4 are affected.
The vulnerability allows the usage of the "--config" and "--debugger" flags in the Mercurial hg program.
Attackers can execute unauthorized commands by exploiting specific vectors related to branch names starting with "--config=" or "--debugger=".

The Impact of CVE-2017-18026

Remote attackers can execute unauthorized commands through the Mercurial adapter.
Exploitation of this vulnerability could lead to serious security breaches.

Technical Details of CVE-2017-18026

This section provides more technical insights into the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

Redmine versions are susceptible to allowing unauthorized command execution.

Affected Systems and Versions

Redmine versions prior to 3.2.9, 3.3.x before 3.3.6, and 3.4.x before 3.4.4 are affected.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers exploit branch names starting with specific substrings to execute unauthorized commands.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2017-18026 is crucial for maintaining security.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Redmine to versions 3.2.9, 3.3.6, or 3.4.4 to mitigate the vulnerability.
Monitor and restrict the usage of the "--config" and "--debugger" flags.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update software to the latest versions to patch known vulnerabilities.
Implement access controls and monitoring to detect and prevent unauthorized command executions.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories and patches released by Redmine.