CVE-2018-14672 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

In earlier versions of ClickHouse, prior to 18.12.13, a vulnerability allowed for path traversal and unauthorized access to files through error messages.

Understanding CVE-2018-14672

This CVE refers to a security issue in ClickHouse versions before 18.12.13 that enabled path traversal attacks.

What is CVE-2018-14672?

ClickHouse versions prior to 18.12.13 had functions for loading CatBoost models that inadvertently allowed path traversal, leading to unauthorized access to files through error messages.

The Impact of CVE-2018-14672

The vulnerability could be exploited by attackers to read unintended files on the system, potentially exposing sensitive information.

Technical Details of CVE-2018-14672

This section provides more technical insights into the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

In ClickHouse versions before 18.12.13, the issue stemmed from functions related to loading CatBoost models, which could be abused for path traversal attacks.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: ClickHouse
Vendor: n/a
Versions Affected: All versions prior to 18.12.13

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers could exploit this vulnerability by manipulating error messages to traverse paths and access files outside the intended scope.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2018-14672, follow these mitigation strategies:

Immediate Steps to Take

Upgrade ClickHouse to version 18.12.13 or newer to mitigate the vulnerability.
Regularly monitor and review error messages for any signs of unauthorized access.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement secure coding practices to prevent path traversal vulnerabilities.
Conduct regular security audits and penetration testing to identify and address similar issues.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates and patches released by ClickHouse.
Apply patches promptly to ensure the system is protected against known vulnerabilities.