2014-10-13 Instructure Advisory IAC12920 - Path Traversal Vulnerability

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SECURITY UPDATE

Release Date:	2014-10-13 (Last update can be found below the document title)
Description:	A path traversal vulnerability was discovered which potentially allowed for limited traversal of the host server’s filesystem and possible unauthorized access to files readable by the parent process.
Criticality Level:	Critical ( Less Critical < Critical < Moderately Critical < Highly Critical )
Impact:	Potential unauthorized disclosure of information Potential unauthorized file system access
Systems Affected:	Canvas LMS
Solution Status:	Remediated
Discovered By:	Issue was reported by Nabeel Ahmed
Relevant Changesets:	N/A

Summary:

A path traversal vulnerability was discovered which potentially allowed for limited traversal of the host server’s filesystem and possible unauthorized access to files readable by the parent process.

Once the vulnerability was reported and validated, steps were immediately taken to address the vulnerability. Furthermore, a full impact analysis was performed to determine if the vulnerability had been exploited.

The Instructure InfoSec team found no evidence of an exploit.

Status:

All vulnerable systems were patched against the vulnerability on the same day it was reported.

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.