CVE-2004-2616 in Activepost Standard
Summary
by MITRE
The file server in ActivePost Standard 3.1 and earlier allows remote authenticated users to obtain sensitive information by uploading a file, which reveals the path in a success message.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/19/2017
The vulnerability described in CVE-2004-2616 represents a significant information disclosure flaw within the ActivePost Standard 3.1 file server implementation. This issue affects versions 3.1 and earlier of the ActivePost Standard software, which was designed as a file server solution for enterprise environments. The vulnerability specifically manifests when authenticated users upload files to the system, creating a scenario where sensitive system information becomes exposed through the server's response mechanism.
The technical flaw stems from inadequate input validation and output sanitization within the file upload functionality. When an authenticated user successfully uploads a file, the system generates a success message that inadvertently includes the full file path where the uploaded content is stored. This path disclosure occurs without proper access control checks or sanitization of the response data, allowing attackers to obtain detailed information about the server's directory structure and file storage locations. The vulnerability exists because the system does not properly separate user input from system-generated responses, creating a direct information leak channel.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple path disclosure, as it provides attackers with critical reconnaissance information that can be leveraged for further exploitation. An attacker who has authenticated access to the system can use the disclosed paths to understand the server's file structure, potentially identifying sensitive directories, configuration files, or other system components that might be vulnerable to additional attacks. This information disclosure can facilitate subsequent attacks such as directory traversal, privilege escalation, or targeted exploitation of other system components. The vulnerability specifically aligns with CWE-200, which addresses information exposure through improper error handling, and represents a classic example of how seemingly benign functionality can create security risks.
From a threat modeling perspective, this vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and output sanitization in web applications and file server systems. The attack vector requires only authenticated access, making it particularly dangerous in environments where user accounts might be compromised or where legitimate users might have elevated privileges. The vulnerability can be exploited through standard file upload mechanisms, making it accessible to attackers with minimal technical expertise. Organizations should consider implementing this vulnerability within their ATT&CK framework under the reconnaissance and credential access phases, as it enables attackers to gather intelligence before launching more sophisticated attacks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2004-2616 should focus on implementing proper input validation and response sanitization practices within the file upload functionality. The system should be configured to strip or obfuscate path information from success messages, ensuring that no system-level information is exposed to authenticated users. Additionally, organizations should implement robust access control measures and regularly update their ActivePost Standard installations to versions that address this vulnerability. The implementation of proper logging and monitoring mechanisms can help detect anomalous file upload activities that might indicate exploitation attempts. Security teams should also consider conducting regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing to identify similar information disclosure vulnerabilities within their file server infrastructure and ensure compliance with security standards such as those outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity frameworks.