This vulnerability allows unauthorized file access through a path traversal flaw in Label Studio SDK versions prior to 1.0.10. The vulnerability exists in the VOC, COCO, and YOLO export functionalities of Label Studio, an open-source data labeling tool. Attackers may leverage this flaw to read files from arbitrary server filesystem locations when exporting projects, which may lead to the exposure of sensitive information.
The CVSS score for this vulnerability is 8.7, categorizing it as high severity. This indicates a significant risk to organizations using affected versions of Label Studio, particularly since it allows for unauthorized access to sensitive data. Organizations should prioritize patching immediately.
As of now, there is no confirmation of a public exploit for this vulnerability, but its potential for exploitation remains a concern. Organizations utilizing Label Studio should ensure they are on version 1.16.0 or newer to mitigate this risk.
Urgency for defenders is high, as this vulnerability could expose critical information such as configuration files and credentials. Organizations should act quickly to avoid potential breaches.
Vulnerability Details
Label Studio is an open source data labeling tool. A path traversal vulnerability in Label Studio SDK versions prior to 1.0.10 allows unauthorized file access outside the intended directory structure. The flaw exists in the VOC, COCO and YOLO export functionalities. These functions invoke a `download` function on the `label-studio-sdk` python package, which fails to validate file paths when processing image references during task exports. By creating tasks with path traversal sequences in the image field, an attacker can force the application to read files from arbitrary server filesystem locations when exporting projects in any of the mentioned formats. This is an authentication-required vulnerability allowing arbitrary file reads from the server filesystem. It may lead to potential exposure of sensitive information like configuration files, credentials, and confidential data. Label Studio versions before 1.16.0 specified SDK versions prior to 1.0.10 as dependencies, and the issue was confirmed in Label Studio version 1.13.2.dev0; therefore, Label Studio users should upgrade to 1.16.0 or newer to mitigate it.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability arises from inadequate validation of file paths when processing image references, allowing attackers to exploit the application through crafted inputs. The attack vector is network-based, and the attack complexity is low, meaning that the vulnerability can be exploited with minimal effort. Importantly, no privileges are required, and user interaction is not necessary for exploitation.
The impacts of this vulnerability primarily affect confidentiality, as unauthorized file access can expose sensitive data. However, there are no integrity or availability impacts associated with this vulnerability.
Risk & Impact Analysis
Risk to organizations includes potential exposure of sensitive files, leading to data breaches and compliance issues. Given the high CVSS score, organizations should assess the impact of this vulnerability on their operations and prioritize patching to mitigate risks. The blast radius of this vulnerability could be extensive, impacting any organization using affected versions of Label Studio with inadequate security controls.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
All versions prior to vendor patch 1.16.0 are affected. Users of Label Studio should upgrade to this version or newer to mitigate the vulnerability.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations should upgrade to Label Studio version 1.16.0 or newer to address this vulnerability. This patch addresses the path traversal issue and secures the application against unauthorized file access. If immediate upgrade is not feasible, consider implementing strict access controls and monitoring to mitigate potential exploitation risks. For continuous improvement, organizations may also consider penetration testing to identify and address similar vulnerabilities.
Detection Guidance
Monitor logs for unauthorized access attempts or unusual file read operations. Behavioral anomalies during task exports may indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, maintain vigilance for changes in system configurations that could suggest compromise.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The long-term significance of this vulnerability highlights the importance of robust input validation within applications. As path traversal vulnerabilities remain prevalent, security teams should ensure comprehensive testing during development processes. This incident underscores the need for continuous security assessments to identify patterns of vulnerabilities. For strategic defensive takeaway, organizations should emphasize secure coding practices and regular updates as fundamental components of their security posture.
To further enhance security measures, organizations are encouraged to explore penetration testing methodology and adopt best practices from the field.
Moreover, organizations can benefit from understanding the implications of vulnerabilities through vulnerability management programs and integrating them into their security frameworks.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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