CVE-2021-29475

PDF export allows arbitrary file reads

Description

HedgeDoc (formerly known as CodiMD) is an open-source collaborative markdown editor. An attacker is able to receive arbitrary files from the file system when exporting a note to PDF. Since the code injection has to take place as note content, there fore this exploit requires the attackers ability to modify a note. This will affect all instances, which have pdf export enabled. This issue has been fixed by https://github.com/hedgedoc/hedgedoc/commit/c1789474020a6d668d616464cb2da5e90e123f65 and is available in version 1.5.0. Starting the CodiMD/HedgeDoc instance with `CMD_ALLOW_PDF_EXPORT=false` or set `"allowPDFExport": false` in config.json can mitigate this issue for those who cannot upgrade. This exploit works because while PhantomJS doesn't actually render the `file:///` references to the PDF file itself, it still uses them internally, and exfiltration is possible, and easy through JavaScript rendering. The impact is pretty bad, as the attacker is able to read the CodiMD/HedgeDoc `config.json` file as well any other files on the filesystem. Even though the suggested Docker deploy option doesn't have many interesting files itself, the `config.json` still often contains sensitive information, database credentials, and maybe OAuth secrets among other things.

Category

10.0
CVSS
Severity: Critical
CVSS 3.1 •
CVSS 2.0 •
EPSS 0.26%
Third-Party Advisory github.com Third-Party Advisory github.com
Affected: hedgedoc hedgedoc
Published at:
Updated at:

References

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the severity of CVE-2021-29475?
CVE-2021-29475 has been scored as a critical severity vulnerability.
How to fix CVE-2021-29475?
To fix CVE-2021-29475, make sure you are using an up-to-date version of the affected component(s) by checking the vendor release notes. As for now, there are no other specific guidelines available.
Is CVE-2021-29475 being actively exploited in the wild?
As for now, there are no information to confirm that CVE-2021-29475 is being actively exploited. According to its EPSS score, there is a ~0% probability that this vulnerability will be exploited by malicious actors in the next 30 days.
What software or system is affected by CVE-2021-29475?
CVE-2021-29475 affects hedgedoc hedgedoc.
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