CVE-2005-2001 in pafiledb
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in pafiledb.php in paFileDB 3.1 and earlier allows remote attackers to include arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the action parameter.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/09/2018
The vulnerability described in CVE-2005-2001 represents a classic directory traversal flaw that affects paFileDB version 3.1 and earlier. This security weakness resides in the pafiledb.php script where user input containing directory traversal sequences is not properly sanitized before being used in file operations. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the action parameter contains .. (dot dot) sequences that manipulate file paths to access directories outside the intended scope. This type of flaw falls under the category of CWE-22 - Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory, which is a fundamental weakness in input validation that has been consistently documented in security frameworks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows remote attackers to manipulate the application's file inclusion mechanism by injecting directory traversal sequences into the action parameter. When the application processes these malicious inputs without proper validation, it can inadvertently include files from arbitrary locations on the server filesystem. This occurs because the application fails to properly sanitize user-supplied input before using it in file operations, creating an opportunity for attackers to bypass access controls and potentially execute arbitrary code or obtain sensitive information. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited through HTTP requests that manipulate the action parameter to navigate up directory structures.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to systems running affected versions of paFileDB. Attackers could potentially access configuration files, database credentials, application source code, or other sensitive data stored on the server. The remote nature of the exploit means that attackers do not require local system access or credentials to attempt exploitation, making it particularly dangerous. Depending on the server configuration and file permissions, successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, or the ability to upload and execute malicious files. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 - Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell, as attackers might leverage such access to execute further malicious activities.
The mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily involve input validation and sanitization practices that should be implemented immediately. Organizations should upgrade to paFileDB versions that address this vulnerability, as the developers would have implemented proper parameter validation and path restriction mechanisms. The recommended approach includes implementing strict input validation that rejects or filters out directory traversal sequences such as .. or %2e%2e. Additionally, applications should employ proper access control mechanisms that limit file operations to predefined directories and use secure coding practices that prevent user input from directly influencing file system operations. Security controls should also include implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious directory traversal attempts, and conducting regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the application stack.