CVE-2018-16831 Explained : Impact and Mitigation
Learn about CVE-2018-16831, a vulnerability in Smarty before version 3.1.33-dev-4 that allows attackers to bypass trusted_dir protection. Find out how to mitigate and prevent exploitation.
Prior to version 3.1.33-dev-4, Smarty has a vulnerability that may be exploited by attackers to circumvent the trusted_dir protection mechanism by using the substring file:./../ in an include statement.
Understanding CVE-2018-16831
What is CVE-2018-16831?
Smarty before version 3.1.33-dev-4 allows attackers to bypass the trusted_dir protection mechanism via a file:./../ substring in an include statement.
The Impact of CVE-2018-16831
This vulnerability could be exploited by attackers to circumvent the trusted_dir protection mechanism in Smarty, potentially leading to unauthorized access or other malicious activities.
Technical Details of CVE-2018-16831
Vulnerability Description
Attackers can exploit this vulnerability in Smarty by using the file:./../ substring in an include statement to bypass the trusted_dir protection mechanism.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Product: Not applicable
- Vendor: Not applicable
- Versions affected: Prior to version 3.1.33-dev-4
Exploitation Mechanism
Attackers exploit the vulnerability by inserting the file:./../ substring in an include statement, allowing them to bypass the trusted_dir protection mechanism.
Mitigation and Prevention
Immediate Steps to Take
- Upgrade to version 3.1.33-dev-4 or later to mitigate this vulnerability.
- Regularly monitor for security advisories and updates from Smarty.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Implement secure coding practices to prevent similar vulnerabilities.
- Conduct regular security assessments and audits of your applications.
Patching and Updates
Ensure timely application of security patches and updates to address known vulnerabilities in Smarty.