CVE-2017-18638 : Security Advisory and Response
Learn about CVE-2017-18638, a vulnerability in the Graphite web application allowing SSRF attacks. Find out the impact, affected systems, exploitation mechanism, and mitigation steps.
A vulnerability in the "send_email" function in the Graphite web application allows for Server-Side Request Forgery (SSRF), enabling attackers to manipulate the server to make requests to any resource.
Understanding CVE-2017-18638
This CVE involves a security flaw in the Graphite web application that can be exploited for SSRF attacks.
What is CVE-2017-18638?
The vulnerability in the "send_email" function of Graphite allows attackers to perform SSRF attacks, leading to unauthorized access and potential data exfiltration.
The Impact of CVE-2017-18638
Exploiting this vulnerability can result in unauthorized access to sensitive information and potential data exfiltration by manipulating the Graphite web server.
Technical Details of CVE-2017-18638
This section provides detailed technical information about the CVE.
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability in the "send_email" function of Graphite allows for SSRF attacks, enabling attackers to manipulate the server to make unauthorized requests to any desired resource.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Product: Not applicable
- Vendor: Not applicable
- Versions: All versions up to Graphite 1.1.5
Exploitation Mechanism
- Attackers exploit the SSRF vulnerability in the Graphite web application to make unauthorized requests to external resources.
- The server's response to the SSRF request is encoded into an image file and sent to an email address specified by the attacker.
Mitigation and Prevention
Protecting systems from CVE-2017-18638 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.
Immediate Steps to Take
- Apply security patches provided by the vendor promptly.
- Monitor and restrict outgoing server requests to prevent SSRF attacks.
- Educate users and administrators about the risks of SSRF vulnerabilities.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Implement network segmentation to isolate critical systems.
- Regularly update and patch software to address known vulnerabilities.
- Conduct security assessments and penetration testing to identify and mitigate SSRF risks.
Patching and Updates
- Stay informed about security advisories and updates from the Graphite project.
- Apply patches and updates as soon as they are released to mitigate the SSRF vulnerability.