CVE-2018-7408 : Security Advisory and Response
Discover the impact of CVE-2018-7408, a vulnerability in npm 5.7.0 pre-release version, allowing unauthorized file system access. Learn mitigation steps and long-term security practices.
A problem was found in a pre-release version of npm 5.7.0, labeled as "next: 5.7.0", potentially enabling users to bypass file system access restrictions.
Understanding CVE-2018-7408
What is CVE-2018-7408?
An issue discovered in npm 5.7.0 pre-release version could allow local users to alter ownerships in /etc and /usr directories, impacting file system access.
The Impact of CVE-2018-7408
The vulnerability could lead to unauthorized access and manipulation of critical system directories, compromising system integrity and security.
Technical Details of CVE-2018-7408
Vulnerability Description
The issue involves unexpected changes in ownerships of /etc and /usr directories due to a "correctMkdir" problem in the pre-release version of npm 5.7.0.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Product: npm 5.7.0
- Vendor: npm
- Version: pre-release "next: 5.7.0"
Exploitation Mechanism
The problem arises when executing the "npm upgrade -g npm" command, automatically installing the vulnerable pre-release version.
Mitigation and Prevention
Immediate Steps to Take
- Avoid executing the "npm upgrade -g npm" command to prevent installation of the vulnerable pre-release version.
- Monitor system directories for unexpected ownership changes.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update npm to stable, non-pre-release versions.
- Implement least privilege access controls to limit user permissions.
Patching and Updates
- Check for official patches or updates from npm to address the vulnerability.