CVE-2018-16716 Path traversal in n/a

Critical 9.1 Published 2 May 2019 Updated 5 Aug 2024

Attackers can read arbitrary files or delete files via path traversal in the NCBI ToolBox CGI script, leading to information disclosure or data loss.

Exploited in the wild: Not known
Login needed: Not needed
Attackable: Over the internet
Victim action needed: Not needed
Fix: None listed

What is CVE-2018-16716?

CVE-2018-16716 is a critical path traversal vulnerability in n/a, published on 2 May 2019. An attacker can exploit it over the internet without logging in, with no action from the victim.

Official description

A path traversal vulnerability exists in viewcgi.c in the 2.0.7 through 2.2.26 legacy versions of the NCBI ToolBox, which may result in reading of arbitrary files (i.e., significant information disclosure) or file deletion via the nph-viewgif.cgi query string.

Weakness: CWE-22

Which versions are affected by CVE-2018-16716?

It affects 1 product.

Products include Nih Ncbi Toolbox.

How do I fix CVE-2018-16716?

No fix has been published for CVE-2018-16716 yet. Limit exposure of the affected software until one is available.

Upgrade, and resolve every user-supplied path against an allowed base folder before opening it. More about Path traversal.

Is CVE-2018-16716 being exploited?

It is not confirmed as exploited in the wild, but public exploit code for CVE-2018-16716 exists.

Public exploit code: 1 Nuclei template.

Sources

Also known as GHSA-pcqx-g45m-pmqh.