#VU78046 Path traversal in Mastodon - CVE-2023-36460

Vulnerability identifier: #VU78046

Vulnerability risk: Medium

CVSSv4.0: 7.7 [CVSS:4.0/AV:N/AC:L/AT:N/PR:L/UI:N/VC:H/VI:H/VA:H/SC:H/SI:H/SA:H/E:U/U:Green]

CVE-ID: CVE-2023-36460

CWE-ID: CWE-22

Exploitation vector: Network

Exploit availability: No

Vulnerable software:
Mastodon
Server applications / Other server solutions

Vendor: Mastodon

Description

The vulnerability allows a remote attacker to perform directory traversal attacks.

The vulnerability exists due to input validation error when processing directory traversal sequences. A remote user can send a specially crafted HTTP request and create and overwrite arbitrary files on the system.

Mitigation
Install update from vendor's website.

Vulnerable software versions

Mastodon: 3.5.0 - 3.5.8, 4.0.0 - 4.0.4, 4.1.0 - 4.1.2

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External links
https://github.com/mastodon/mastodon/releases/tag/v3.5.9
https://github.com/mastodon/mastodon/security/advisories/GHSA-9928-3cp5-93fm
https://github.com/mastodon/mastodon/commit/dc8f1fbd976ae544720a4e07120d9a91b2722440
https://github.com/mastodon/mastodon/releases/tag/v4.0.5
https://github.com/mastodon/mastodon/releases/tag/v4.1.3
https://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2023/07/06/4

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Q & A

Can this vulnerability be exploited remotely?

Yes. This vulnerability can be exploited by a remote authenticated user via the Internet.

Is there known malware, which exploits this vulnerability?

No. We are not aware of malware exploiting this vulnerability.