CVE-2024-31214
CVE-2024-31214
Weakness (CWE)
CVSS Vector
v3.1- Attack Vector
- Network
- Attack Complexity
- Low
- Privileges Required
- None
- User Interaction
- Required
- Scope
- Changed
- Confidentiality
- High
- Integrity
- High
- Availability
- High
Description
Traccar is an open source GPS tracking system. Traccar versions 5.1 through 5.12 allow arbitrary files to be uploaded through the device image upload API. Attackers have full control over the file contents, full control over the directory where the file is stored, full control over the file extension, and partial control over the file name. While it's not for an attacker to overwrite an existing file, an attacker can create new files with certain names and attacker-controlled extensions anywhere on the file system. This can potentially lead to remote code execution, XSS, DOS, etc. The default install of Traccar makes this vulnerability more severe. Self-registration is enabled by default, allowing anyone to create an account to exploit this vulnerability. Traccar also runs by default with root/system privileges, allowing files to be placed anywhere on the file system. Version 6.0 contains a fix for the issue. One may also turn off self-registration by default, as that would make most vulnerabilities in the application much harder to exploit by default and reduce the severity considerably.
Comprehensive Technical Analysis of CVE-2024-31214
1. Vulnerability Assessment and Severity Evaluation
CVE ID: CVE-2024-31214 CVSS Score: 9.6
Severity Evaluation: The CVSS score of 9.6 indicates a critical vulnerability. This high score is justified by the potential for remote code execution (RCE), cross-site scripting (XSS), and denial of service (DoS) attacks. The vulnerability allows attackers to upload arbitrary files with full control over the file contents, directory, and extension, which can lead to severe security breaches.
Key Factors Contributing to Severity:
- Full Control Over File Uploads: Attackers can upload files with any content, extension, and directory.
- Default Root/System Privileges: Traccar runs with elevated privileges by default, allowing attackers to place files anywhere on the file system.
- Self-Registration Enabled: This allows anyone to create an account and exploit the vulnerability.
2. Potential Attack Vectors and Exploitation Methods
Attack Vectors:
- Remote Code Execution (RCE): An attacker can upload a malicious script or executable file and execute it on the server.
- Cross-Site Scripting (XSS): By uploading files with malicious scripts, an attacker can execute scripts in the context of a user's browser.
- Denial of Service (DoS): An attacker can upload large files or files that cause the system to crash, leading to a DoS condition.
- Data Exfiltration: An attacker can upload files that exfiltrate sensitive data from the server.
Exploitation Methods:
- File Upload: The attacker can use the device image upload API to upload malicious files.
- Account Creation: With self-registration enabled, an attacker can create an account and gain access to the upload functionality.
- Privilege Escalation: Given the default root/system privileges, an attacker can escalate privileges to gain full control over the system.
3. Affected Systems and Software Versions
Affected Software:
- Traccar versions 5.1 through 5.12
Affected Systems:
- Any system running the affected versions of Traccar, particularly those with default configurations (self-registration enabled and running with root/system privileges).
4. Recommended Mitigation Strategies
Immediate Mitigation:
- Upgrade to Version 6.0: Upgrade to Traccar version 6.0, which contains a fix for the issue.
- Disable Self-Registration: Turn off self-registration to prevent unauthorized account creation.
- Run with Least Privilege: Ensure Traccar is not running with root/system privileges. Use a dedicated, non-privileged user account.
- Implement File Upload Validation: Add validation to the file upload process to restrict file types, sizes, and directories.
Long-Term Mitigation:
- Regular Security Audits: Conduct regular security audits and code reviews to identify and fix vulnerabilities.
- Implement Security Best Practices: Follow best practices for securing web applications, including input validation, output encoding, and secure coding practices.
- Monitor and Log: Implement monitoring and logging to detect and respond to suspicious activities.
5. Impact on Cybersecurity Landscape
Immediate Impact:
- Increased Risk of Exploitation: Systems running affected versions of Traccar are at high risk of being exploited, leading to potential data breaches, system compromises, and service disruptions.
- Reputation Damage: Organizations using affected versions may face reputational damage if exploited.
Long-Term Impact:
- Enhanced Awareness: This vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices and regular security audits.
- Improved Security Measures: Organizations may implement stricter security measures and more robust file upload validation mechanisms.
6. Technical Details for Security Professionals
Vulnerability Details:
- File Upload API: The device image upload API in Traccar versions 5.1 through 5.12 does not properly validate file uploads, allowing arbitrary file uploads.
- Default Configuration: The default configuration of Traccar, including self-registration and running with root/system privileges, exacerbates the vulnerability.
Exploit References:
- GitHub Security Advisory: GHSA-3gxq-f2qj-c8v9
- Patch Commit: 3fbdcd81566bc72e319ec05c77cf8a4120b87b8f
Code References:
- Device Model: Device.java#L56
- Device Resource: DeviceResource.java#L191
Conclusion: CVE-2024-31214 is a critical vulnerability in Traccar that requires immediate attention. Organizations should prioritize upgrading to version 6.0 and implementing the recommended mitigation strategies to protect their systems from potential exploitation. Regular security audits and adherence to best practices will help prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future.