#VU21322 Improper access control in Harbor - CVE-2019-16097

Vulnerability identifier: #VU21322

Vulnerability risk: High

CVSSv4.0: 8.1 [CVSS:4.0/AV:N/AC:L/AT:N/PR:N/UI:N/VC:H/VI:H/VA:H/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N/E:U/U:Amber]

CVE-ID: CVE-2019-16097

CWE-ID: CWE-284

Exploitation vector: Network

Exploit availability: No

Vulnerable software:
Harbor
Server applications / Virtualization software

Vendor: Harbor

Description

The vulnerability allows a remote attacker to gain unauthorized access to otherwise restricted functionality.

The vulnerability exists due to improper access restrictions within "core/api/user.go" when processing HTTP POST requests to "/api/users" API, when Harbor is configured to use DB as authentication backend. A remote non-authenticated attacker can send a specially crafted HTTP request to the vulnerable API endpoint and create an administrative user account.

Mitigation
Install updates from vendor's website.

Vulnerable software versions

Harbor: 1.7.0 - 1.8.2

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External links
https://github.com/goharbor/harbor/commit/b6db8a8a106259ec9a2c48be8a380cb3b37cf517
https://github.com/goharbor/harbor/compare/v1.8.2...v1.9.0-rc1
https://github.com/goharbor/harbor/releases/tag/v1.7.6
https://github.com/goharbor/harbor/releases/tag/v1.8.3
https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/critical-vulnerability-in-harbor-enables-privilege-escalation-from-zero-to-admin-cve-2019-16097/

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Q & A

Can this vulnerability be exploited remotely?

Yes. This vulnerability can be exploited by a remote non-authenticated attacker via the Internet.

Is there known malware, which exploits this vulnerability?

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