CVE-2020-1737 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis
Learn about CVE-2020-1737 affecting Ansible. Understand the impact, affected versions, and mitigation steps to address this path traversal vulnerability.
A security flaw in Ansible versions 2.7.17 and prior, 2.8.9 and prior, and 2.9.6 and prior allows for path traversal attacks when using the win_unzip module's Extract-Zip function. This vulnerability has a CVSS base score of 7.5.
Understanding CVE-2020-1737
This CVE refers to an issue in Ansible that could be exploited by crafting an archive anywhere in the file system, leading to a path traversal attack.
What is CVE-2020-1737?
The flaw in Ansible versions 2.7.17 and earlier, 2.8.9 and earlier, and 2.9.6 and earlier, stems from the lack of proper file checking during the Extract-Zip operation in the win_unzip module. Attackers can exploit this by creating specially crafted archives to traverse the file system.
The Impact of CVE-2020-1737
The vulnerability has a high CVSS base score of 7.5, indicating its critical nature and potential impact on the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of affected systems.
Technical Details of CVE-2020-1737
This section delves into the specific technical aspects of the CVE.
Vulnerability Description
The flaw allows attackers to perform path traversal attacks by creating malicious archives anywhere in the file system during the extraction process.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Ansible versions 2.7.17 and prior
- Ansible versions 2.8.9 and prior
- Ansible versions 2.9.6 and prior
- Fixed in version 2.10
Exploitation Mechanism
Attackers can leverage the lack of file validation to craft archives that exploit path traversal vulnerabilities within the win_unzip module.
Mitigation and Prevention
Proactive steps to address and prevent the vulnerability.
Immediate Steps to Take
- Upgrade to version 2.10 of Ansible to mitigate the vulnerability.
- Monitor for any suspicious activities related to file extractions.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Implement secure coding practices to avoid path traversal vulnerabilities in code.
- Regularly update and patch software components to prevent known vulnerabilities.
- Conduct security audits and code reviews to identify and rectify potential security weaknesses.
- Educate developers and administrators on secure coding and best practices.
Patching and Updates
Ensure timely installation of security patches and updates provided by Ansible to address vulnerabilities like CVE-2020-1737.