CVE-2017-18381 Explained : Impact and Mitigation
Learn about CVE-2017-18381, a vulnerability in Open edX allowing external access to MongoDB with default credentials. Find mitigation steps and best practices here.
Open edX prior to January 10, 2017, had a vulnerability that exposed a MongoDB instance to external connections using default login credentials.
Understanding CVE-2017-18381
This CVE describes a security issue in the installation process of Open edX that could lead to unauthorized access to a MongoDB instance.
What is CVE-2017-18381?
The vulnerability in Open edX allowed external connections to access a MongoDB instance with default credentials, potentially leading to unauthorized access and data compromise.
The Impact of CVE-2017-18381
The exposure of the MongoDB instance could result in unauthorized users gaining access to sensitive data stored within the database, posing a significant security risk.
Technical Details of CVE-2017-18381
This section provides more in-depth technical information about the CVE.
Vulnerability Description
The installation process in Open edX before January 10, 2017, allowed external connections to a MongoDB instance using default credentials, creating a security vulnerability.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Product: Open edX
- Vendor: N/A
- Versions: N/A
Exploitation Mechanism
Unauthorized users could exploit this vulnerability by connecting to the MongoDB instance with default credentials, potentially accessing and manipulating sensitive data.
Mitigation and Prevention
Protecting systems from CVE-2017-18381 is crucial to maintaining security.
Immediate Steps to Take
- Ensure that MongoDB instances are not accessible from external networks without proper authentication mechanisms in place.
- Change default credentials and implement strong, unique passwords for MongoDB access.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly review and update access controls for MongoDB instances to prevent unauthorized access.
- Conduct security audits to identify and address any potential vulnerabilities in the system.
Patching and Updates
- Update Open edX installations to versions that have addressed this vulnerability to prevent unauthorized access to MongoDB instances.