CVE-2019-16876 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

Portainer before version 1.22.1 is vulnerable to Directory Traversal.

Understanding CVE-2019-16876

Portainer prior to 1.22.1 allows Directory Traversal, potentially leading to unauthorized access to files on the system.

What is CVE-2019-16876?

CVE-2019-16876 is a vulnerability in Portainer that allows an attacker to traverse directories and access files on the system.

The Impact of CVE-2019-16876

This vulnerability could be exploited by malicious actors to view sensitive files, potentially leading to unauthorized disclosure of information.

Technical Details of CVE-2019-16876

Portainer before version 1.22.1 is susceptible to Directory Traversal.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in Portainer allows an attacker to navigate through directories and access files that should be restricted.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Portainer
Vendor: N/A
Versions Affected: Prior to 1.22.1

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by manipulating file paths to access files outside the intended directory structure.

Mitigation and Prevention

It is crucial to take immediate steps to mitigate the risks posed by CVE-2019-16876.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Portainer to version 1.22.1 or later to patch the vulnerability.
Implement access controls and restrictions to limit directory traversal.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor and audit file access and permissions.
Conduct security assessments to identify and address similar vulnerabilities.
Educate users on secure file handling practices.

Patching and Updates

Ensure timely installation of security patches and updates to prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities.