CVE-2018-6914 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies
Learn about CVE-2018-6914, a directory traversal vulnerability in Ruby versions before 2.2.10, 2.3.x before 2.3.7, 2.4.x before 2.4.4, 2.5.x before 2.5.1, and 2.6.0-preview1, enabling unauthorized directory or file creation.
An issue with directory traversal has been discovered in the Dir.mktmpdir method within the tmpdir library of Ruby versions prior to 2.2.10, 2.3.x prior to 2.3.7, 2.4.x prior to 2.4.4, 2.5.x prior to 2.5.1, and 2.6.0-preview1. This vulnerability could potentially enable malicious actors to generate unauthorized directories or files by exploiting the .. (dot dot) usage in the prefix parameter.
Understanding CVE-2018-6914
This CVE involves a directory traversal vulnerability in the Dir.mktmpdir method within the tmpdir library in specific versions of Ruby.
What is CVE-2018-6914?
CVE-2018-6914 is a security vulnerability in Ruby versions before 2.2.10, 2.3.x before 2.3.7, 2.4.x before 2.4.4, 2.5.x before 2.5.1, and 2.6.0-preview1 that allows attackers to create arbitrary directories or files through a directory traversal exploit.
The Impact of CVE-2018-6914
This vulnerability could be exploited by malicious actors to create unauthorized directories or files, potentially leading to unauthorized access or manipulation of sensitive data.
Technical Details of CVE-2018-6914
This section provides more in-depth technical information about the CVE.
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability lies in the Dir.mktmpdir method within the tmpdir library in affected versions of Ruby, allowing attackers to manipulate directory structures.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Ruby versions prior to 2.2.10
- Ruby 2.3.x prior to 2.3.7
- Ruby 2.4.x prior to 2.4.4
- Ruby 2.5.x prior to 2.5.1
- Ruby 2.6.0-preview1
Exploitation Mechanism
Attackers can exploit the vulnerability by utilizing the .. (dot dot) in the prefix parameter to create unauthorized directories or files.
Mitigation and Prevention
Protecting systems from CVE-2018-6914 requires immediate action and long-term security measures.
Immediate Steps to Take
- Update Ruby to versions 2.2.10, 2.3.7, 2.4.4, 2.5.1, or newer to mitigate the vulnerability.
- Monitor for any unauthorized directory or file creation.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Implement secure coding practices to prevent directory traversal vulnerabilities.
- Regularly update and patch software to address known security issues.
Patching and Updates
- Apply patches provided by Ruby to fix the vulnerability.
- Stay informed about security updates and advisories from Ruby and relevant vendors.