2014-03-03 Instructure Advisory IAC42155 - False Zip File Size Attack

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SECURITY UPDATE

Release Date:	2014-03-03 (Last update can be found below the document title)
Description:	False Zip File Size Attack
Criticality Level:	Less Critical ( Less Critical < Critical < Moderately Critical < Highly Critical )
Impact:	Denial of Service
Systems Affected:	Canvas LMS
Solution Status:	Patched
Discovered By:	Mike Naberezny
Relevant Changesets:	https://github.com/instructure/canvas-lms/commit/a3cf4748cc4be17c27030728fdd00f79419a2238

Summary:

A malicious user could upload a specially formed zip file in order to bypass Canvas' quota checking and extract much larger files than are meant to be allowed. This attack could potentially be used as a Denial of Service attack vector on job workers, and increase Canvas hosting costs.

Status:

Fixed in Canvas Cloud. Users of Canvas CV are encouraged to either update to the most recent stable code or apply the patch manually.

About

Bio

Jordan has had various roles in the ed tech software (SAAS) industry for the past 9 years. (almost 5 years with Instructure). In his previous company he was a Client Services Manager for two years (responsible for account management, implementation, project management, and training, for each of his customers). After a year and a half he was commissioned to build a training department, all policies and procedures, and deliver training for all customers. Over the past eight years he has been in charge of conceiving, producing and deploying eLearning initiatives and strategies. He has trained over 3,000 adult learners with a wide range of technical aptitude, including K-12 Teachers, Principals, Administrators, Superintendents, Higher Ed Professors, Doctors, CTO’s, and Corporate Business Professionals and Executives. Jordan is an instructional designer and Community Manager for Instructure with a focus on connecting Canvas users with tools and resources that will help them get excited about and become proficient in utilizing the Canvas Learning Platform.