CVE-2021-43775 : What You Need to Know

Aim is an open-source, self-hosted machine learning experiment tracking tool. Versions of Aim prior to 3.1.0 are vulnerable to a path traversal attack. By manipulating variables that reference files with 'dot-dot-slash (../)' sequences or using absolute file paths, attackers may access critical files stored on the filesystem.

Understanding CVE-2021-43775

Aim version < 3.1.0 is susceptible to an arbitrary file reading vulnerability that permits unauthorized access to sensitive files.

What is CVE-2021-43775?

The CVE-2021-43775 vulnerability in Aim allows attackers to read arbitrary files on the system by exploiting path traversal techniques. This can lead to exposure of critical information such as source code or system configuration files.

The Impact of CVE-2021-43775

The vulnerability has a high severity level, with a CVSS v3.1 base score of 8.6. It poses a significant risk to confidentiality as attackers can potentially access sensitive data.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-43775

Aim < 3.1.0 exposes the following technical details:

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises due to improper handling of file paths in Aim, allowing unauthorized users to read arbitrary files.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Aim
Vendor: aimhubio
Versions Affected: < 3.1.0

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers manipulate file path references to traverse directories or use absolute paths, leading to unauthorized access to critical files.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2021-43775, follow these essential steps:

Immediate Steps to Take

Upgrade Aim to version 3.1.0 or newer to mitigate the vulnerability.
Monitor system logs for any suspicious file access activities.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement strict input validation to prevent path traversal attacks.
Regularly update and patch software to address security vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Apply patches and updates promptly to ensure the security of Aim and prevent exploitation of vulnerabilities.