CVE-2005-4638 in SupportSuite
Summary
by MITRE
index.php in Kayako SupportSuite 3.00.26 and earlier allow remote attackers to obtain the full path via (1) _a and (2) newsid parameters in the news module, (3) downloaditemid parameter in the downloads module, and (4) kbarticleid parameter in the knowledgebase module.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/16/2018
This vulnerability exists in Kayako SupportSuite version 3.00.26 and earlier, where improper input validation allows remote attackers to extract sensitive server path information through specific parameter manipulation. The flaw manifests across multiple modules including news, downloads, and knowledgebase, making it a widespread issue within the application's architecture. The vulnerability stems from the application's failure to properly sanitize user-supplied input parameters before processing them, which creates an information disclosure condition that can reveal critical system paths to unauthorized parties. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-20 category of "Improper Input Validation" and represents a classic example of how insufficient parameter sanitization can lead to path disclosure attacks. The affected parameters include _a and newsid in the news module, downloaditemid in the downloads module, and kbarticleid in the knowledgebase module, all of which are processed without adequate validation checks. Such path disclosure vulnerabilities are particularly concerning as they provide attackers with detailed information about the server's file structure, which can be leveraged for subsequent exploitation attempts. The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it enables attackers to understand the application's directory hierarchy and potentially identify other weaknesses in the system's configuration. This information can be used to craft more sophisticated attacks targeting specific files or directories that might contain sensitive data or configuration information. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and T1068 (Exploitation for Privilege Escalation) as it provides the initial reconnaissance data necessary for deeper system exploration. From a security perspective, this vulnerability represents a fundamental flaw in the application's input handling mechanisms, where the system fails to implement proper access controls and input sanitization. The disclosure of full server paths can reveal critical information about the hosting environment, including the exact location of application files, database connection details, and potentially sensitive directory structures that could aid in bypassing security controls. Organizations running affected versions of Kayako SupportSuite should immediately implement mitigations including input validation, parameter sanitization, and proper error handling to prevent the exposure of system paths. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of implementing robust input validation mechanisms at all levels of application processing, particularly in web applications where user input is constantly being processed and interpreted by the server. This flaw underscores the necessity of following secure coding practices and implementing proper parameter validation to prevent information disclosure attacks that can significantly compromise system security and potentially lead to more severe exploitation opportunities.
The vulnerability operates by allowing attackers to manipulate specific parameters in the URL to trigger error messages or debug information that inadvertently reveals the full server path. When these parameters are processed without proper validation, the application's error handling mechanisms may output path information as part of error messages or stack traces, providing attackers with detailed knowledge of the system's file structure. This particular vulnerability affects the application's ability to maintain proper separation between user input and system processing, creating a direct pathway for information leakage. The impact of such path disclosure can be substantial as it provides attackers with precise knowledge of directory structures, which can be used to identify potential attack vectors, understand system configurations, and plan more targeted exploitation strategies. The vulnerability represents a clear violation of secure coding principles and demonstrates how seemingly minor input validation flaws can have significant security implications. From a defensive standpoint, organizations should implement comprehensive input validation controls, including parameter whitelisting and strict validation rules, to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive system information. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of proper error handling design, where applications should never reveal internal system paths or technical details in user-facing error messages. This issue emphasizes the need for regular security assessments and code reviews to identify and remediate similar input validation vulnerabilities across all application components. The potential for this vulnerability to be exploited as part of a broader attack chain makes it particularly dangerous, as it can serve as an initial reconnaissance step for more complex attacks. Security teams should prioritize patching affected systems and implementing network-level controls to prevent exploitation attempts targeting this specific vulnerability. The incident serves as a reminder of the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date security practices and the necessity of robust input validation mechanisms in preventing information disclosure attacks that can compromise entire system architectures.