CVE-2021-32633: Remote Code Execution via traversal in TAL expressions

Published May 21, 2021
·
Updated

Impact Most Python modules are not available for using in TAL expressions that you can add through-the-web, for example in Zope Page Templates. This restriction avoids file system access, for example via the 'os' module. But some of the untrusted modules are available indirectly through Python modules that are available for direct use.

By default, you need to have the Manager role to add or edit Zope Page Templates through the web. Only sites that allow untrusted users to add/edit Zope Page Templates through the web are at risk.

Patches The problem has been fixed in Zope 5.2 and 4.6.

Workarounds A site administrator can restrict adding/editing Zope Page Templates through the web using the standard Zope user/role permission mechanisms. Untrusted users should not be assigned the Zope Manager role and adding/editing Zope Page Templates through the web should be restricted to trusted users only.

For more information If you have any questions or comments about this advisory: Open an issue in the Zope issue tracker Email us at security@plone.org

Other sources

Zope is an open-source web application server. In Zope versions prior to 4.6 and 5.2, users can access untrusted modules indirectly through Python modules that are available for direct use. By default, only users with the Manager role can add or edit Zope Page Templates through the web, but sites that allow untrusted users to add/edit Zope Page Templates through the web are at risk from this vulnerability. The problem has been fixed in Zope 5.2 and 4.6. As a workaround, a site administrator can restrict adding/editing Zope Page Templates through the web using the standard Zope user/role permission mechanisms. Untrusted users should not be assigned the Zope Manager role and adding/editing Zope Page Templates through the web should be restricted to trusted users only.

MITRE

Affected Software

6 affected componentsFixes available
pip/Zope>=5.0<5.2
5.2
pip/Zope<4.6
4.6
Plone plone<=4.3.20
Plone plone>=5.0<=5.2.4
Zope Zope<4.6
Zope Zope>=5.0<5.2

Event History

May 21, 2021
CVE Published
via MITRE·01:55 PM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·01:55 PM
DescriptionSeverityWeakness
Jun 18, 2021
Advisory Published
via GitHub·06:44 PM
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Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is CVE-2021-32633?

CVE-2021-32633 is a vulnerability in Zope web application server that allows users to access untrusted modules indirectly.

2

How can the CVE-2021-32633 vulnerability be exploited?

The CVE-2021-32633 vulnerability can be exploited by accessing untrusted modules indirectly through Python modules available for direct use.

3

What is the severity of CVE-2021-32633?

The severity of CVE-2021-32633 is high, with a severity score of 8.8.

4

Which software versions are affected by CVE-2021-32633?

The affected software versions include Plone versions up to and including 4.3.20, Plone versions between 5.0 and 5.2.4, Zope versions up to 4.6, and Zope versions between 5.0 and 5.2.

5

How do I mitigate the CVE-2021-32633 vulnerability?

To mitigate the CVE-2021-32633 vulnerability, update your Zope and Plone installations to version 4.3.21 or above for Plone, and version 5.2.5 or above for Zope.

Contact

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