Ruby Gem ConfigFile Exposure Detection Scanner

Ruby Gem is a package management system for the Ruby programming language, used to distribute Ruby programs and libraries in a self-contained format called a "gem." It is commonly used by developers, programmers, and organizations to manage and distribute Ruby-based projects. The vulnerability checked in this scanner exists in the credential file of Ruby Gem, potentially exposing sensitive information. Keeping this file secure is critical, especially in environments where Ruby is heavily utilized. The scanner monitors for exposed credentials, providing insights to maintain the integrity of applications and systems utilizing Ruby packages.

This vulnerability involves the exposure of the Ruby Gem credentials file, which may leak API keys used for authentication. This file is generally stored in the home directory under .gem/credentials and contains tokens necessary for publishing gems to various servers. Exposure of these credentials can occur due to misconfigurations, leading to unauthorized access. Detecting such exposures is vital in protecting Ruby-based applications from potential data breaches and unauthorized operations.

Technically, the vulnerability lies in the improper exposure of the ~/.gem/credentials file on publicly accessible web server paths. Endpoints like '/.gem/credentials' or '.gem/credentials.yaml' are targeted by the scanner to look for keywords associated with RubyGems API keys. To identify unauthorized exposure, the scanner employs specific matchers and status codes. Ensuring these files remain inaccessible to the public web while testing for exposure is crucial.

One possible effect of exploiting this vulnerability is unauthorized access to Ruby Gem servers, enabling attackers to publish unauthorized gems, leading to severe security weaknesses. It could also cause data leaks, allowing adversaries to manipulate gem data or compromise systems that depend on Ruby Gem. It might also degrade trust in published gems and compromise the user's security posture.

REFERENCES

• https://guides.rubygems.org/rubygems-org-api/
• https://blog.rubygems.org/2020/07/28/api-key-leak.html