CVE-2018-16716 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

The NCBI ToolBox versions 2.0.7 to 2.2.26 contain a path traversal vulnerability that could lead to unauthorized access to arbitrary files, potentially resulting in information disclosure or file deletion.

Understanding CVE-2018-16716

This CVE involves a path traversal vulnerability in the NCBI ToolBox versions 2.0.7 to 2.2.26, specifically in the viewcgi.c file.

What is CVE-2018-16716?

A path traversal vulnerability in the NCBI ToolBox versions 2.0.7 to 2.2.26 allows unauthorized access to arbitrary files, potentially leading to significant information disclosure or file deletion.

The Impact of CVE-2018-16716

This vulnerability could result in unauthorized access to sensitive files, potentially leading to data breaches or loss of critical information.

Technical Details of CVE-2018-16716

The following technical details outline the specifics of this vulnerability:

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability exists in the viewcgi.c file of NCBI ToolBox versions 2.0.7 to 2.2.26, allowing for the reading of arbitrary files or file deletion via the nph-viewgif.cgi query string.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: NCBI ToolBox
Versions: 2.0.7 to 2.2.26

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by manipulating the nph-viewgif.cgi query string to access unauthorized files.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2018-16716, consider the following mitigation strategies:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update NCBI ToolBox to a patched version.
Implement access controls to restrict unauthorized file access.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor and audit file access logs.
Conduct security assessments to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Apply security patches provided by NCBI for the affected versions.