Apache CouchDB Administrative Users HTTP API Privilege Escalation Vulnerability [CVE-2018-8007]
CVE Number – CVE-2018-8007
A vulnerability in Apache CouchDB could allow an authenticated, remote attacker to gain elevated privileges on a targeted system.
The vulnerability is due to insufficient validation of administrator-supplied configuration settings from the HTTP API of the affected software. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability to bypass the blacklist of configuration settings on a targeted system. An exploit could allow the attacker to gain elevated privileges, which the attacker could use to execute arbitrary code on the system.
Apache has confirmed the vulnerability and released software updates.
Analysis
- To exploit this vulnerability, the attacker must have administrative-level access to the targeted system. This access requirement could reduce the likelihood of a successful exploit.
Safeguards
- Administrators are advised to apply the appropriate updates.
Administrators are advised to allow only trusted users to have network access.
Administrators are advised to run both firewall and antivirus applications to minimize the potential of inbound and outbound threats.
Administrators may consider using IP-based access control lists (ACLs) to allow only trusted systems to access the affected systems.
Administrators can help protect affected systems from external attacks by using a solid firewall strategy.
Administrators are advised to monitor affected systems.
Vendor Announcements
- Apache has released a security blog post at the following link: Apache CouchDB CVE-2018-8007
Fixed Software
- Apache has released software updates at the following link: Apache CouchDB 1.7.2 and 2.1.2
Duncan is a technology professional with over 20 years experience of working in various IT roles. He has a interest in cyber security, and has a wide range of other skills in radio, electronics and telecommunications.