CVE-2018-17605 : What You Need to Know
Learn about CVE-2018-17605, a directory traversal vulnerability in the Asset Pipeline plugin for Grails, allowing attackers to exploit a classloader issue in Jetty for unauthorized access to sensitive files.
The Asset Pipeline plugin for Grails, prior to version 3.0.4, has a vulnerability that allows directory traversal, particularly when a servlet-based application is executed in Jetty. This vulnerability stems from a classloader issue, enabling an attacker to create a reverse file traversal route in specific files.
Understanding CVE-2018-17605
This CVE involves a security vulnerability in the Asset Pipeline plugin for Grails, impacting versions before 3.0.4.
What is CVE-2018-17605?
CVE-2018-17605 is a directory traversal vulnerability in the Asset Pipeline plugin for Grails, allowing attackers to exploit a classloader vulnerability when running a servlet-based application in Jetty.
The Impact of CVE-2018-17605
The vulnerability permits attackers to perform directory traversal, potentially leading to unauthorized access to sensitive files and data within the affected application.
Technical Details of CVE-2018-17605
This section delves into the technical aspects of the CVE.
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability in the Asset Pipeline plugin for Grails, before version 3.0.4, enables attackers to conduct directory traversal by leveraging a classloader vulnerability in Jetty.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Product: Not applicable
- Vendor: Not applicable
- Versions affected: Not applicable
Exploitation Mechanism
Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by sending specially crafted requests to the application, allowing them to create a reverse file traversal route in specific files like AssetPipelineFilter.groovy or AssetPipelineFilterCore.groovy.
Mitigation and Prevention
Protecting systems from CVE-2018-17605 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.
Immediate Steps to Take
- Upgrade the Asset Pipeline plugin to version 3.0.4 or later to mitigate the vulnerability.
- Monitor and restrict incoming requests to the application to prevent malicious inputs.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update and patch all software components to address known vulnerabilities.
- Implement secure coding practices to prevent directory traversal and other common attack vectors.
Patching and Updates
Ensure that all software components, including the Asset Pipeline plugin, are regularly updated to the latest secure versions.