CVE-2018-20234 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies
Learn about CVE-2018-20234, an argument injection vulnerability in Atlassian Sourcetree for macOS versions 1.2 to 3.1.1. Find out how attackers could exploit this issue and steps to mitigate the risk.
Atlassian Sourcetree for macOS versions 1.2 to 3.1.1 was vulnerable to argument injection, allowing remote attackers to execute code on affected systems.
Understanding CVE-2018-20234
This CVE involves a security vulnerability in Atlassian Sourcetree for macOS that could be exploited by attackers to execute code remotely.
What is CVE-2018-20234?
CVE-2018-20234 is an argument injection vulnerability in Atlassian Sourcetree for macOS versions 1.2 to 3.1.1. Attackers with permission to commit changes to a Mercurial repository linked in Sourcetree could manipulate filenames to gain unauthorized access and execute code.
The Impact of CVE-2018-20234
The vulnerability allowed remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on systems running the affected versions of Atlassian Sourcetree for macOS.
Technical Details of CVE-2018-20234
This section provides detailed technical information about the CVE.
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability in Atlassian Sourcetree for macOS versions 1.2 to 3.1.1 was due to improper handling of filenames in Mercurial repositories, leading to argument injection.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Product: Sourcetree for macOS
- Vendor: Atlassian
- Versions affected: 1.2 (custom version) and versions less than 3.1.1
Exploitation Mechanism
Attackers could exploit this vulnerability by manipulating filenames within Mercurial repositories linked in Sourcetree for macOS, gaining unauthorized access and executing code on the targeted system.
Mitigation and Prevention
Protecting systems from CVE-2018-20234 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.
Immediate Steps to Take
- Update Atlassian Sourcetree for macOS to a patched version that addresses the vulnerability.
- Monitor and restrict access to Mercurial repositories to prevent unauthorized changes.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update software and apply security patches promptly.
- Implement access controls and permissions to limit the impact of potential vulnerabilities.
Patching and Updates
- Atlassian has released patches to address the vulnerability. Ensure all instances of Sourcetree for macOS are updated to versions that fix the issue.