CVE-2018-14671 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

In August 2019, CVE-2018-14671 was published, highlighting a vulnerability in ClickHouse that allowed for Remote Code Execution prior to version 18.10.3.

Understanding CVE-2018-14671

This CVE entry identifies a security issue in ClickHouse versions before 18.10.3 that could lead to Remote Code Execution.

What is CVE-2018-14671?

Prior to version 18.10.3 of ClickHouse, a vulnerability in unixODBC enabled the loading of arbitrary shared objects from the file system, potentially resulting in a Remote Code Execution exploit.

The Impact of CVE-2018-14671

The vulnerability could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code remotely, posing a significant risk to affected systems.

Technical Details of CVE-2018-14671

This section delves into the specifics of the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

ClickHouse versions before 18.10.3 were susceptible to a flaw in unixODBC that permitted the loading of arbitrary shared objects, creating a pathway for Remote Code Execution.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: ClickHouse
Vendor: ClickHouse
Affected Versions: All versions prior to 18.10.3

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability in unixODBC allowed threat actors to load malicious shared objects from the file system, enabling them to execute code remotely.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2018-14671 requires immediate action and long-term security measures.

Immediate Steps to Take

Upgrade ClickHouse to version 18.10.3 or later to mitigate the vulnerability.
Monitor for any signs of unauthorized access or unusual system behavior.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update software and apply security patches promptly.
Implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure to potential threats.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories and updates from ClickHouse.
Continuously assess and enhance the security posture of systems to prevent similar vulnerabilities.