CVE-2024-45312
Arbitrary language parameter can passed to `aspell` executable via spelling requests in overleaf
In short
Overleaf allows users to specify any language in spell-check requests, which can be exploited to make the server load arbitrary dictionary files. This could expose sensitive files or disrupt the spell-checking service.
Technical detail
A path traversal vulnerability (CWE-22) in Overleaf's spell-check endpoint allows unauthenticated attackers to inject arbitrary language parameters that are passed unsanitized to the `aspell` executable, causing it to attempt loading dictionaries from attacker-controlled paths. File access is confined to the Overleaf server's filesystem scope. Successful exploitation can lead to information disclosure or denial of service of the spell-check feature.
Summary generated and translated by AI from the official description.
Overleaf is a web-based collaborative LaTeX editor. Overleaf Community Edition and Server Pro prior to version 5.0.7 (or 4.2.7 for the 4.x series) contain a vulnerability that allows an arbitrary language parameter in client spelling requests to be passed to the `aspell` executable running on the server. This causes `aspell` to attempt to load a dictionary file with an arbitrary filename. File access is limited to the scope of the overleaf server. The problem is patched in versions 5.0.7 and 4.2.7. Previous versions can be upgraded using the Overleaf toolkit `bin/upgrade` command. Users unable to upgrade may block POST requests to `/spelling/check` via a Web Application Firewall will prevent access to the vulnerable spell check feature. However, upgrading is advised.
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:L/I:N/A:N
Affected products
overleaf · overleafWant to know if your infrastructure is exposed to this?
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