CVE-2018-14036 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

CVE-2018-14036 was published on July 13, 2018, and is related to a Directory Traversal vulnerability in AccountsService. This vulnerability allows for the exploitation of insufficient path checks, potentially leading to security breaches.

Understanding CVE-2018-14036

This CVE entry highlights a specific vulnerability in the AccountsService software.

What is CVE-2018-14036?

The vulnerability in user_change_icon_file_authorized_cb() function in user.c allows for Directory Traversal attacks using "../" sequences. It affects AccountsService versions prior to 0.6.50.

The Impact of CVE-2018-14036

The presence of this vulnerability can be exploited by attackers to navigate through directories and access unauthorized files, potentially compromising system integrity and confidentiality.

Technical Details of CVE-2018-14036

This section delves into the technical aspects of the CVE.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from insufficient path checks in the user_change_icon_file_authorized_cb() function in user.c, enabling Directory Traversal attacks.

Affected Systems and Versions

AccountsService versions before 0.6.50 are susceptible to this vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by utilizing "../" sequences to traverse directories and access restricted files.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2018-14036 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update AccountsService to version 0.6.50 or newer to mitigate the vulnerability.
Implement strict input validation to prevent malicious directory traversal attempts.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor and audit file access permissions to detect unauthorized activities.
Educate users and administrators about the risks of directory traversal attacks and best security practices.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates and patches released by the AccountsService provider.
Apply patches promptly to address known vulnerabilities and enhance system security.