CVE-2023-2780 : What You Need to Know

A path traversal vulnerability with the description of '\..\filename' has been identified in the GitHub repository mlflow/mlflow prior to version 2.3.1.

Understanding CVE-2023-2780

This vulnerability, assigned CVE-2023-2780, affects the mlflow/mlflow GitHub repository before version 2.3.1 and has the potential to have a critical impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability of systems.

What is CVE-2023-2780?

CVE-2023-2780 is a path traversal vulnerability that allows attackers to navigate outside the intended directory structure by using the malicious path '\..\filename'. This could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive files and data on the affected system.

The Impact of CVE-2023-2780

The impact of CVE-2023-2780 is classified as critical, with a base severity score of 9.8 out of 10. It has the potential to result in high confidentiality, integrity, and availability impact on systems where the vulnerable version of mlflow/mlflow is in use.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-2780

This section provides a deeper dive into the technical aspects of the vulnerability, including its description, affected systems and versions, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in CVE-2023-2780 allows attackers to manipulate file paths using '\..\filename' in the mlflow/mlflow GitHub repository prior to version 2.3.1. This could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive files outside the intended directory.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability affects the "mlflow/mlflow" product with versions earlier than 2.3.1. Systems running versions equal to or less than 2.3.1 are considered vulnerable to this path traversal exploit.

Exploitation Mechanism

By exploiting the path traversal vulnerability using the '\..\filename' technique, threat actors can potentially access and manipulate files that are intended to be restricted, leading to unauthorized disclosure or modification of critical data.

Mitigation and Prevention

Mitigating CVE-2023-2780 requires immediate steps to contain and address the vulnerability, as well as implementing long-term security practices to prevent similar exploits in the future.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update mlflow/mlflow to version 2.3.1 or higher to patch the vulnerability and protect the system from path traversal attacks.
Implement access controls and input validation mechanisms to restrict unauthorized file access and prevent path manipulation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor and audit file access permissions and directory structures to detect any unauthorized attempts to access sensitive files.
Conduct security assessments and code reviews to identify and address potential path traversal vulnerabilities in the application code.

Patching and Updates

Ensure timely application of security patches and updates released by mlflow to address known vulnerabilities and enhance the overall security posture of the system. Regularly check for software updates and security advisories to stay informed about potential security risks and preventive measures.