CVE-2018-12015 : What You Need to Know

A vulnerability in the Archive::Tar module prior to Perl version 5.26.2 allows attackers to bypass directory-traversal protection and modify files by creating an archive with a symbolic link and a regular file of the same name.

Understanding CVE-2018-12015

This CVE involves a security issue in the Archive::Tar module that could be exploited by malicious actors.

What is CVE-2018-12015?

In Perl through 5.26.2, the vulnerability allows remote attackers to overwrite arbitrary files by using an archive file containing a symlink and a regular file with identical names.

The Impact of CVE-2018-12015

The vulnerability enables attackers to bypass directory-traversal protection and manipulate files within the system, potentially leading to unauthorized access or data corruption.

Technical Details of CVE-2018-12015

This section delves into the specifics of the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in the Archive::Tar module allows remote attackers to overwrite files by leveraging a symlink and a regular file with matching names.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Not applicable
Vendor: Not applicable
Versions: All versions prior to Perl 5.26.2 are affected

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by creating a specially crafted archive file containing both a symbolic link and a regular file with the same name.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2018-12015 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Perl to version 5.26.2 or later to mitigate the vulnerability
Monitor for any unauthorized file modifications

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update software and libraries to the latest versions
Implement file integrity monitoring to detect unauthorized changes

Patching and Updates

Apply patches provided by Perl to address the vulnerability