CVE-2018-10916 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

CVE-2018-10916, published on August 1, 2018, highlights a vulnerability in lftp versions up to and including 4.8.3 that could lead to the compromise of the local system's integrity when performing reverse mirroring.

Understanding CVE-2018-10916

This CVE entry exposes a critical flaw in lftp that could be exploited by attackers to manipulate file names and potentially delete files on the victim's system.

What is CVE-2018-10916?

The vulnerability in lftp version 4.8.3 and earlier arises from inadequate sanitization of remote file names. This oversight allows threat actors to deceive users into executing reverse mirroring on a malicious FTP server, resulting in the deletion of files in the victim's current working directory.

The Impact of CVE-2018-10916

The lack of proper file name sanitization in lftp versions up to 4.8.3 poses a significant risk to the integrity of local systems. If exploited, this vulnerability could lead to severe consequences, including potential data loss and system compromise.

Technical Details of CVE-2018-10916

This section delves into the technical aspects of the CVE, including the vulnerability description, affected systems, and exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in lftp allows attackers to manipulate file names, potentially leading to the deletion of files on the victim's system during reverse mirroring operations.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: lftp
Vendor: [UNKNOWN]
Versions affected: up to and including 4.8.3

Exploitation Mechanism

Attack Complexity: HIGH
Attack Vector: NETWORK
Privileges Required: NONE
User Interaction: REQUIRED
Scope: UNCHANGED
CVSS Base Score: 5.3 (MEDIUM)
CVSS Vector: CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:N/I:H/A:N

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2018-10916, users and organizations should take immediate steps and implement long-term security practices to mitigate risks effectively.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update lftp to a patched version that addresses the vulnerability.
Avoid using reverse mirroring on untrusted FTP servers.
Educate users about the risks associated with file manipulation operations.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor and audit FTP server activities.
Implement network segmentation to limit the impact of potential attacks.
Stay informed about security advisories and updates related to lftp.

Patching and Updates

Apply patches provided by the vendor to fix the vulnerability in lftp.