Vulnerability in websvn - Security Update
Summary
DSA-3137-1: websvn - security update. Affects websvn versions < 2.3.3-1.1+deb7u1. Fixed in 2.3.3-1.1+deb7u1. How to fix ↓
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Background
websvn is a web viewer for Subversion repositories. It allows users to browse and access files stored in a Subversion repository through a web interface. The package is commonly used to provide a user-friendly way to interact with Subversion repositories over the internet. However, a security vulnerability has been discovered in websvn that allows an attacker with repository write access to access any file on the server's disk that is readable by the webserver user.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in websvn arises from the fact that it follows symlinks in a repository when presenting a file for download. By creating a symlink to a sensitive file on the server's disk, an attacker with write access to the repository can trick websvn into serving that file to any user who attempts to download it. This can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive information or even the execution of arbitrary code if the served file is a script or executable. The impact of this vulnerability depends on the permissions and sensitivity of the files accessible by the webserver user.
How To Fix
Minimum fixed version
2.3.3-1.1+deb7u1
This is the first release that contains the fix.
sudo apt-get install --only-upgrade websvnTip — Not sure which version your app runs? Vulert can match this fix to it. Scan free →
Workaround
If upgrading the websvn package is not immediately feasible, a temporary workaround is to disable the serving of files through websvn. This can be achieved by modifying the webserver configuration to deny access to the websvn directory or by removing the websvn application altogether. However, this workaround will prevent users from accessing files through websvn until the package is upgraded.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the websvn package is vulnerable to a symlink following issue that allows an attacker with repository write access to access arbitrary files on the server's disk. To mitigate this vulnerability, it is recommended to upgrade the websvn package to the latest version. If immediate upgrade is not possible, a temporary workaround can be implemented. For further assistance and support in vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.
See every vulnerability recorded for websvn →
FAQ
websvn is a web viewer for Subversion repositories that allows users to browse and access files stored in a Subversion repository through a web interface.
The vulnerability allows an attacker with repository write access to access any file on the server's disk that is readable by the webserver user. This can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive information or the execution of arbitrary code.
To fix this vulnerability, it is recommended to upgrade the websvn package to version 2.3.3-1.1+deb7u1 or later. Instructions for upgrading packages can be found in the Debian documentation.
A temporary workaround is to disable the serving of files through websvn by modifying the webserver configuration to deny access to the websvn directory or by removing the websvn application altogether. However, this workaround will prevent users from accessing files through websvn until the package is upgraded.
More information about websvn can be found on the official website or in the documentation provided with the package.
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