CVE-2019-17383 : Security Advisory and Response

The netaddr gem for Ruby, specifically versions prior to 2.0.4, has misconfigured file permissions that may lead to setting permissions to 0777 on the target filesystem.

Understanding CVE-2019-17383

This CVE identifies a vulnerability in the netaddr gem for Ruby that affects versions before 2.0.4.

What is CVE-2019-17383?

The netaddr gem for Ruby, versions prior to 2.0.4, has file permission misconfigurations that can result in setting permissions to 0777 during installation.

The Impact of CVE-2019-17383

The vulnerability could allow an attacker to manipulate file permissions on the target filesystem, potentially leading to unauthorized access or other security risks.

Technical Details of CVE-2019-17383

This section provides more technical insights into the CVE.

Vulnerability Description

The netaddr gem before version 2.0.4 for Ruby has misconfigured file permissions, causing 0777 permissions on the target filesystem during installation.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: netaddr gem for Ruby
Vendor: n/a
Versions affected: < 2.0.4

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability occurs due to improper file permission configurations within the netaddr gem, allowing for the setting of insecure permissions during installation.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2019-17383 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update the netaddr gem to version 2.0.4 or newer to mitigate the vulnerability.
Regularly monitor and review file permissions on the target filesystem.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement least privilege principles for file permissions to minimize risks.
Conduct regular security audits and vulnerability assessments to identify and address similar issues.

Patching and Updates

Apply patches and updates provided by the netaddr gem maintainers to address the file permission misconfiguration.