CyberSecBulletin
CVE-2024-9341NVD status: Modified

Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8: Improper Link Resolution Before File Access

Published Updated By the CyberSecBulletin desk

CVE-2024-9341 is a high-severity improper link resolution before file access vulnerability in Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8 from Red Hat, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 8.2 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an unauthenticated attacker, but only if a user takes part, for example by opening a link or file. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 1.03% chance of exploitation within 30 days, higher than 64% of scored CVEs.

Next patch cycle

High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.

What to do

  1. Check which version of Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8 you run against the affected versions below, and install the vendor's latest release.
  2. Until you can update, restrict network access to the affected service so it is not reachable from untrusted networks.
  3. Because the attack needs a user to take part, warn users about unexpected links and files related to this product until it is patched.

Affected products and versions

VendorProductAffected versionsFixed in
Red HatRed Hat Enterprise Linux 8Not specified in the recordNot stated
Red HatRed Hat Enterprise Linux 9Not specified in the recordNot stated
Red HatRed Hat OpenShift Container Platform 4.12Not specified in the recordNot stated
Red HatRed Hat OpenShift Container Platform 4.13Not specified in the recordNot stated
Red HatRed Hat OpenShift Container Platform 4.14Not specified in the recordNot stated
Red HatRed Hat OpenShift Container Platform 4.15Not specified in the recordNot stated
Red HatRed Hat OpenShift Container Platform 4.16Not specified in the recordNot stated
Red HatRed Hat OpenShift Container Platform 4.17Not specified in the recordNot stated
Red HatRed Hat OpenShift Container Platform 4.18Not specified in the recordNot stated
Red HatRed Hat Enterprise Linux 10Not specified in the recordNot stated
ContainersCommonNot specified in the recordNot stated
Red HatOpenshift Container Platform4.12; 4.13; 4.14; 4.15; 4.16; 4.17Not stated
Red HatEnterprise Linux8.0; 9.0Not stated

Version data comes from the organisation that assigned the CVE. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.

How the severity score breaks down

Attack vector
NetworkCan be exploited remotely over a network, including the internet.
Attack complexity
LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
Privileges required
NoneNo account or login is needed.
User interaction
RequiredA user must take an action such as opening a file or link.
Scope
ChangedThe attack can reach beyond the vulnerable component into other systems.
Confidentiality
HighAll data handled by the component can be read.
Integrity
LowLimited modification of data is possible.
Availability
NoneAvailability is not affected.

Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:C/C:H/I:L/A:N. Scored by NVD.

Scoring systemScoreSeverityScored by
CVSS 3.15.4MediumCNA (redhat.com)
CVSS 3.18.2HighNVD

Official description

A flaw was found in Go. When FIPS mode is enabled on a system, container runtimes may incorrectly handle certain file paths due to improper validation in the containers/common Go library. This flaw allows an attacker to exploit symbolic links and trick the system into mounting sensitive host directories inside a container. This issue also allows attackers to access critical host files, bypassing the intended isolation between containers and the host system.

Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.

The underlying weakness: Improper Link Resolution Before File Access

The product attempts to access a file based on the filename, but it does not properly prevent that filename from identifying a link or shortcut that resolves to an unintended resource.

How developers prevent this class of flaw

  • Follow the principle of least privilege when assigning access rights to entities in a software system. Denying access to a file can prevent an attacker from replacing that file with a link to a sensitive file. Ensure good compartmentalization in the system to provide protected areas that can be trusted.

More Improper Link Resolution Before File Access vulnerabilities (CWE-59)

Timeline

  1. CVE record published.
  2. CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: no, technical impact: partial).
  3. Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).

References

Third-party and government advisories

Other vulnerabilities in Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8

All Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8 vulnerabilities

Recent Improper Link Resolution Before File Access vulnerabilities

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