CVE-2024-23652 is a critical vulnerability affecting MobyProject's BuildKit, a toolkit designed for efficiently converting source code to build artifacts. This vulnerability, which has a CVSS score of 10, allows attackers to exploit a malicious BuildKit frontend or Dockerfile using the RUN --mount feature to remove files from the host system. The feature is intended to clean up empty files but can be manipulated to target system files outside the container.
The severity of this vulnerability is significant as it poses a risk of unauthorized file deletion on the host system, which could lead to data loss or system instability. Organizations utilizing BuildKit should prioritize remediation, as the potential for exploitation is critical.
The vulnerability was published on January 31, 2024, and has been fixed in BuildKit version 0.12.5. Users are advised to upgrade to this version immediately. In the meantime, workarounds include avoiding the use of untrusted BuildKit frontends or Dockerfiles containing the RUN --mount feature.
Organizations should prioritize patching immediately.
Vulnerability Details
The vulnerability allows a malicious BuildKit frontend or Dockerfile to exploit the RUN --mount feature. When the feature is manipulated, it can cause the system to remove files outside of the container, allowing for potential data loss. The CVSS vector indicates a network attack vector with low complexity and no required privileges or user interaction, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous.
The affected product is MobyProject's BuildKit, with all versions prior to v0.12.5 being vulnerable. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-22, which pertains to improper restriction of pathname references.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of CVE-2024-23652 lies in the implementation of the RUN --mount feature within BuildKit. Specifically, when a malicious frontend is used, it can manipulate the cleanup process of empty files created for mount points, tricking the system into deleting files from the host.
The attack vector is network-based, meaning an attacker could potentially exploit this vulnerability remotely. The attack complexity is low; thus, even individuals with minimal technical knowledge could leverage it effectively.
The attack requires no privileges, and user interaction is also not necessary, which further amplifies the risk. The impact on confidentiality is none, while the integrity and availability impacts are rated as high.
Risk & Impact Analysis
Risk to organizations includes potential data loss or corruption, as the vulnerability allows unauthorized deletion of files from the host system. The blast radius is significant, as this could affect critical system files, leading to broader system failures or data breaches.
Given the CVSS score of 10, organizations must treat this vulnerability with extreme urgency. Immediate patching is essential to prevent exploitation. Organizations should assess their use of BuildKit and ensure that only trusted sources are utilized for frontends and Dockerfiles.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | Yes |
Public PoC | Yes |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
All versions prior to vendor patch (v0.12.5) are affected. Users must ensure they upgrade to this version to mitigate the risk.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations should update BuildKit to version 0.12.5 immediately. In cases where the patch cannot be applied right away, it is crucial to avoid using untrusted BuildKit frontends or Dockerfiles containing the RUN --mount feature. Implementing network controls to restrict access to trusted sources can also help mitigate risks.
For further guidance on security testing, organizations can explore our penetration testing services.
Detection Guidance
To detect potential exploitation of this vulnerability, organizations should monitor for unusual file deletion events on the host system, particularly in relation to BuildKit operations. Behavioral anomalies within BuildKit processes should also be scrutinized, and network signatures should be established to identify unauthorized access attempts.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The long-term significance of CVE-2024-23652 highlights the importance of securing build processes in software development. As the use of containerization grows, vulnerabilities in tools like BuildKit could represent a larger trend in software supply chain risks. Security teams should take this as a lesson to regularly audit and secure their build environments.
To enhance security practices, organizations can implement a comprehensive vulnerability management program and adopt robust testing methodologies such as penetration testing methodologies to identify and mitigate risks associated with their software supply chains.
Furthermore, adopting a proactive stance on cloud penetration testing can help organizations stay ahead of emerging threats.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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