CVE-2024-45312

MEDIUM
Published Sep 2, 2024 Modified Sep 25, 2024 CWE-22 CWE-641 CWE-74

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.

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CVSS v3.1 Score

5.3
MEDIUM
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:L/I:N/A:N

Weakness Type (CWE)

CWE-22 Path Traversal
CWE-641 CWE-641
CWE-74 CWE-74

Affected Products

Vendor Product
overleaf overleaf
overleaf overleaf
overleaf overleaf
overleaf overleaf

References

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2024-45312? +
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. It has a CVSS v3.1 base score of 5.3 (MEDIUM).
How severe is CVE-2024-45312? +
CVE-2024-45312 has a CVSS v3.1 score of 5.3 out of 10, rated MEDIUM. This is a medium-severity vulnerability that should be remediated as part of regular maintenance.
What products are affected by CVE-2024-45312? +
CVE-2024-45312 affects products from overleaf, specifically: overleaf. Check the affected products table above for specific version ranges.
How do I check if I'm vulnerable to CVE-2024-45312? +
You can use Secably's free Website Scanner to check your website for known vulnerabilities. For infrastructure scanning, use the Port Scanner to identify exposed services that may be affected. Check the vendor advisories linked above for specific patch and version information.

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