CVE-2018-11786 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

Apache Karaf prior to version 4.2.0 had a vulnerability related to the sshd service, allowing unauthorized access to modify files. Learn how to mitigate this risk.

Understanding CVE-2018-11786

Apache Karaf had a security vulnerability that could be exploited through the sshd service, potentially leading to unauthorized access and file modifications.

What is CVE-2018-11786?

In Apache Karaf versions before 4.2.0, the sshd service allowed users with Karaf console rights to gain unauthorized access and modify files accessible to the Karaf process user.

The Impact of CVE-2018-11786

The vulnerability could enable attackers to read and modify files on the file system that the Karaf process user had permissions to access, posing a significant security risk.

Technical Details of CVE-2018-11786

Apache Karaf CVE-2018-11786 technical specifics

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in Apache Karaf prior to version 4.2.0 allowed users with Karaf console rights to gain unauthorized access and modify files accessible to the Karaf process user.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Apache Karaf
Vendor: Apache Software Foundation
Versions Affected: Prior to 4.2.0 release

Exploitation Mechanism

Enabling the sshd service for administrators to manage the running instance
Allowing users with Karaf console rights to gain unauthorized access and modify files

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting against CVE-2018-11786

Immediate Steps to Take

Implement chroot to change the root directory, safeguarding files outside the Karaf install directory
Define a security manager policy to restrict file system access to necessary directories below the Karaf home directory

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly review and update security configurations
Conduct security audits and penetration testing to identify vulnerabilities

Patching and Updates

Update Apache Karaf to version 4.2.0 or later to address the vulnerability