CVE-2019-11879 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

The WEBrick gem version 1.4.2 for Ruby may be vulnerable to directory traversal under specific conditions. The vendor's stance on the issue is disputed.

Understanding CVE-2019-11879

The vulnerability in the WEBrick gem version 1.4.2 for Ruby allows for potential directory traversal if certain conditions are met.

What is CVE-2019-11879?

The WEBrick gem version 1.4.2 for Ruby may be susceptible to directory traversal if an attacker had prior physical access to create a symbolic link outside the main web directory. The vendor's comparison to the "Options FollowSymlinks" feature in Apache HTTP Server is contentious.

The Impact of CVE-2019-11879

The impact of this vulnerability lies in the potential for unauthorized access to sensitive files and directories on the server.

Technical Details of CVE-2019-11879

The technical details shed light on the specifics of the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The WEBrick gem version 1.4.2 for Ruby could be exploited for directory traversal if a malicious actor had physical access to create a symbolic link outside the primary web directory.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Not applicable
Vendor: Not applicable
Version: Not applicable

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by creating a symbolic link to a location outside the main web directory after having physical access.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2019-11879 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Monitor and restrict physical access to systems hosting the WEBrick gem.
Regularly review and remove unnecessary symbolic links.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement access controls to limit directory traversal risks.
Conduct regular security assessments to identify and address vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about patches or updates released by the vendor to address the vulnerability.