CVE-2019-17636: Insufficient Verification of Data Authenticity in Eclipse Theia
Summary
CVE-2019-17636: Insufficient Verification of Data Authenticity in Eclipse Theia. Affects @theia/mini-browser versions >= 0.3.9, < 0.16.0. Fixed in 0.16.0. How to fix ↓
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Background
Eclipse Theia is an open-source extensible platform for developing multi-language cloud and desktop IDEs. It provides a framework for building web-based development tools that can be accessed through a web browser. One of the default pre-packaged extensions in Eclipse Theia is the "Mini-Browser" extension, which allows users to view web content within the IDE. This extension, published as "@theia/mini-browser" on npmjs.com, includes a vulnerable HTTP endpoint that can be exploited to read the content of files on the host's filesystem without proper verification of the requester's origin.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in Eclipse Theia versions 0.3.9 through 0.15.0 arises from the design of the "Mini-Browser" extension. The extension exposes an HTTP endpoint that lacks restrictions on the requester's origin. This makes it susceptible to remote exploitation through DNS rebinding attacks or drive-by downloads of carefully crafted exploits. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to access sensitive files on the host's filesystem, potentially leading to unauthorized disclosure of information or remote code execution.
How To Fix
Minimum fixed version
0.16.0
This is the first release that contains the fix.
npm install @theia/mini-browser@0.16.0
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Workaround
There is no specific workaround provided for this vulnerability. However, as a general security measure, it is recommended to ensure that the host's filesystem does not contain any sensitive files that could be accessed by the "Mini-Browser" extension. This can be achieved by properly configuring file permissions and access controls on the host system.
Conclusion
The vulnerability in Eclipse Theia's "Mini-Browser" extension exposes a HTTP endpoint that allows unauthorized access to files on the host's filesystem. This can be exploited remotely through DNS rebinding attacks or drive-by downloads. Upgrading to version 0.16.0 or later of the "@theia/mini-browser" package and reviewing permissions can mitigate this vulnerability. For further support on vulnerability remediation, contact DevNack.com.
See every vulnerability recorded for @theia/mini-browser →
FAQ
Eclipse Theia is an open-source extensible platform for developing multi-language cloud and desktop IDEs. It provides a framework for building web-based development tools that can be accessed through a web browser.
The "Mini-Browser" extension is one of the default pre-packaged extensions in Eclipse Theia. It allows users to view web content within the IDE.
This vulnerability allows remote attackers to access sensitive files on the host's filesystem without proper verification of their origin. This can lead to unauthorized disclosure of information or remote code execution.
To fix this vulnerability, it is recommended to upgrade to version 0.16.0 or later of the "@theia/mini-browser" package. Additionally, review and restrict the permissions granted to the "Mini-Browser" extension.
There is no specific workaround provided for this vulnerability. However, ensuring proper file permissions and access controls on the host system can help mitigate the risk of unauthorized access to sensitive files.
References
Related vulnerabilities
Recent vulnerabilities recorded for @theia/mini-browser.