CVE-2020-5410 : What You Need to Know

Spring Cloud Config, versions 2.2.x prior to 2.2.3, versions 2.1.x prior to 2.1.9, and older unsupported versions allow directory traversal attacks through the spring-cloud-config-server module.

Understanding CVE-2020-5410

This CVE involves a vulnerability in Spring Cloud Config that enables malicious users to exploit directory traversal.

What is CVE-2020-5410?

Spring Cloud Config versions 2.2.x before 2.2.3 and 2.1.x before 2.1.9, along with unsupported versions, permit serving arbitrary configuration files through the spring-cloud-config-server module.
Attackers can execute a directory traversal attack by sending a specially crafted URL request.

The Impact of CVE-2020-5410

Malicious actors can access sensitive files and directories on the server, potentially leading to unauthorized data disclosure or system compromise.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-5410

This section provides more in-depth technical insights into the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

CWE-23: Relative Path Traversal vulnerability in Spring Cloud Config.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Spring Cloud Config
Vendor: Spring by VMware
Affected Versions: 2.1 custom less than 2.1.9, 2.2 custom less than 2.2.3

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers exploit the vulnerability by manipulating URLs to access files outside the intended directory structure.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protect your systems from CVE-2020-5410 with these mitigation strategies.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Spring Cloud Config to versions 2.1.9 or 2.2.3 to patch the vulnerability.
Implement URL filtering to block malicious requests attempting directory traversal.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor and audit server access logs for unusual activities.
Conduct security training for developers to raise awareness of secure coding practices.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates from Spring by VMware and apply patches promptly to secure your systems.