CVE-2024-21644 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

This CVE involves a vulnerability in pyLoad, a free and open-source Download Manager written in Python. An unauthenticated user can access a specific URL to expose the Flask configuration, including sensitive information such as the

SECRET_KEY

. The issue has been addressed in version 0.5.0b3.dev77.

Understanding CVE-2024-21644

This section delves into the details and impact of the CVE-2024-21644 vulnerability.

What is CVE-2024-21644?

CVE-2024-21644 refers to improper access control in pyLoad, allowing unauthenticated users to view sensitive Flask configuration details, potentially compromising the security of the system.

The Impact of CVE-2024-21644

The impact of this vulnerability is rated as HIGH with a CVSS base score of 7.5. It poses a significant risk to confidentiality as unauthenticated users can access sensitive information such as the

SECRET_KEY

.

Technical Details of CVE-2024-21644

Here, we explore the technical aspects of the vulnerability, including the description, affected systems, and exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in pyLoad allows any unauthenticated user to access a specific URL and expose the Flask configuration, potentially revealing sensitive information like the

SECRET_KEY

.

Affected Systems and Versions

The affected system is pyLoad with versions prior to 0.5.0b3.dev77. Systems running versions below this are vulnerable to the improper access control issue.

Exploitation Mechanism

By browsing to a specific URL as an unauthenticated user, it is possible to exploit this vulnerability and gain access to sensitive Flask configuration details, including the

SECRET_KEY

.

Mitigation and Prevention

In this section, we discuss the steps to mitigate the CVE-2024-21644 vulnerability and prevent security threats.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users and administrators are advised to update pyLoad to version 0.5.0b3.dev77 or newer to patch the vulnerability and secure the Flask configuration from unauthorized access.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing proper access control mechanisms and authentication protocols can help prevent unauthorized users from accessing sensitive information in the Flask configuration.

Patching and Updates

Regularly applying security patches and updates to pyLoad and other software components is essential to address known vulnerabilities and enhance overall system security.