CVE-2005-2598 in Dokeos
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple directory traversal vulnerabilities in Dokeos 1.6 and earlier, and possibly Claroline, allow remote attackers to (1) delete arbitrary files or directories via the delete parameter to claroline/scorm/scormdocument.php, (2) move arbitrary files via the move_to and move_file parameters to claroline/document/document.php, or determine the existence of arbitrary files via the file parameter to (3) claroline/scorm/showinframes.php or (4) claroline/scorm/contents.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/10/2018
The vulnerability described in CVE-2005-2598 represents a critical directory traversal flaw affecting Dokeos 1.6 and earlier versions, with potential impact on Claroline systems. This vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within several key file handling components of these learning management platforms. The flaw allows remote attackers to manipulate file system operations through specifically crafted parameters, creating significant security risks for educational institutions relying on these systems. The vulnerability operates at the core of file system access controls, where user-supplied input directly influences path resolution and file operations, making it particularly dangerous in web-based educational environments where multiple users interact with shared file systems.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability manifests through four distinct attack vectors that exploit weak input validation mechanisms. The first vector targets claroline/scorm/scormdocument.php with the delete parameter, enabling attackers to remove arbitrary files from the system. The second vector operates through claroline/document/document.php using move_to and move_file parameters, allowing unauthorized file movement between directories. The third and fourth vectors utilize the file parameter in claroline/scorm/showinframes.php and claroline/scorm/contents.php respectively, enabling attackers to determine the existence of arbitrary files through directory traversal techniques. These vulnerabilities are classified under CWE-22, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The attack surface is particularly concerning as these parameters are likely exposed through web interfaces, making exploitation possible without authentication.
The operational impact of CVE-2005-2598 extends beyond simple file manipulation, creating potential for complete system compromise and data destruction. Attackers could leverage these vulnerabilities to delete critical system files, move sensitive educational content, or map directory structures to identify valuable targets for further exploitation. The ability to determine file existence through directory traversal techniques provides attackers with reconnaissance capabilities that can be used to plan more sophisticated attacks. Organizations using affected versions face risks including data loss, unauthorized access to student information, disruption of educational services, and potential compliance violations under data protection regulations. The vulnerability particularly affects institutions that rely heavily on file sharing and content management features, as these attack vectors directly target core functionality. The impact is amplified by the fact that these vulnerabilities can be exploited remotely without requiring prior authentication, making them particularly attractive to attackers seeking to compromise educational infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-2598 should focus on implementing robust input validation and sanitization mechanisms across all affected components. System administrators should immediately upgrade to patched versions of Dokeos and Claroline, as these platforms are no longer supported and contain multiple security vulnerabilities. The implementation of proper path validation should include absolute path restrictions, canonicalization of file paths, and removal of special characters from user input. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls can provide additional defense-in-depth measures, though they should not be considered a substitute for proper code-level fixes. Access controls should be reviewed to ensure that only authorized users can perform file operations, and logging mechanisms should be enhanced to monitor suspicious file system activities. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059, which describes the use of command and scripting interpreters, and T1078, which addresses valid accounts, as attackers may exploit these vulnerabilities to gain persistent access to systems. Organizations should also consider implementing regular security assessments and penetration testing to identify similar vulnerabilities in their educational technology infrastructure, as the attack surface of learning management systems continues to expand with increasing web-based functionality and user interaction.