#VU57574 Path traversal in The Update Framework (TUF) - CVE-2021-41131

Vulnerability identifier: #VU57574

Vulnerability risk: Medium

CVSSv4.0: 4.8 [CVSS:4.0/AV:N/AC:L/AT:P/PR:N/UI:N/VC:L/VI:H/VA:N/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N/E:U/U:Green]

CVE-ID: CVE-2021-41131

CWE-ID: CWE-22

Exploitation vector: Network

Exploit availability: No

Vulnerable software:
The Update Framework (TUF)
Client/Desktop applications / Other client software

Vendor: The Update Framework

Description

The vulnerability allows a remote attacker to perform directory traversal attacks.

The vulnerability exists due to input validation error when processing directory traversal sequences in the "tuf/client" and "tuf/ngclient". A remote attacker can send a specially crafted HTTP request and read or overwrite arbitrary files on the system.

Mitigation
Install update from vendor's website.

Vulnerable software versions

The Update Framework (TUF): 0.7.2 - 0.18.1

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External links
https://github.com/theupdateframework/python-tuf/commit/4ad7ae48fda594b640139c3b7eae21ed5155a102
https://github.com/theupdateframework/python-tuf/security/advisories/GHSA-wjw6-2cqr-j4qr
https://github.com/theupdateframework/python-tuf/issues/1527

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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.