CVE-2005-2248 in DownloadProtect
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in DownloadProtect before 1.0.3 allows remote attackers to read files above the download folder.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/10/2018
The directory traversal vulnerability identified in CVE-2005-2248 affects the DownloadProtect software version prior to 1.0.3, representing a critical security flaw that enables remote attackers to access files outside the designated download directory. This vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-22, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation within the file handling mechanisms of the software, allowing malicious users to manipulate file paths through crafted requests that bypass normal access controls.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the absence of proper sanitization of user-supplied input that is used to construct file paths within the download functionality. Attackers can manipulate the application by inserting sequences such as "../" or similar path manipulation techniques in the download parameters, effectively navigating upward through the directory structure to access files that should remain restricted. This vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited remotely without requiring any special privileges or authentication, making it particularly dangerous for web applications that handle file downloads.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized file access, as it can potentially expose sensitive system files, configuration data, database files, or other confidential information stored on the server. The attack surface is particularly concerning for web applications that process user uploads or serve downloadable content, as it provides attackers with the capability to escalate their privileges and gain access to critical system resources. This vulnerability can be leveraged as an initial foothold for further attacks, potentially leading to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, or service disruption.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include immediate patching of the DownloadProtect software to version 1.0.3 or later, which implements proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms. Organizations should also implement proper access controls and file permission settings to limit the impact of any potential exploitation attempts. Network segmentation and firewall rules can help reduce the attack surface by limiting access to vulnerable systems. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and input validation mechanisms at the application level can provide additional layers of protection against similar path traversal attacks. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and the principle of least privilege in web application security, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1078 for Valid Accounts and T1566 for Phishing as part of a broader attack chain that may leverage such vulnerabilities for initial access.