CVE-2008-1284 in Horde
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in Horde 3.1.6, Groupware before 1.0.5, and Groupware Webmail Edition before 1.0.6, when running with certain configurations, allows remote authenticated users to read and execute arbitrary files via ".." sequences and a null byte in the theme name.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/07/2019
This vulnerability resides in the Horde Groupware and Groupware Webmail Edition applications where improper input validation allows authenticated attackers to perform directory traversal attacks through maliciously crafted theme names containing null byte sequences and directory traversal characters. The flaw affects versions prior to 1.0.5 for Groupware and 1.0.6 for Groupware Webmail Edition, specifically manifesting when the application processes theme parameters without adequate sanitization of user-supplied input.
The technical implementation exploits a weakness in how the software handles theme name parameters during file operations, where the application fails to properly validate or sanitize input containing null byte characters and directory traversal sequences. When an authenticated user submits a theme name containing ".." sequences followed by a null byte, the application processes these characters without proper boundary checking, allowing access to files outside the intended directory structure. This vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be classified under CWE-22, which specifically addresses directory traversal or path traversal vulnerabilities.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it allows authenticated attackers to read arbitrary files on the server filesystem and potentially execute code if the application has sufficient privileges. An attacker could leverage this to access sensitive configuration files, database credentials, application source code, or other confidential information stored on the server. The vulnerability's exploitation requires authentication, which limits its scope to users who already have access to the system, but it can still enable privilege escalation or information disclosure attacks. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083 for discovering files and directories, and T1059 for command and scripting interpreter usage.
Mitigation strategies include applying the vendor-provided patches and updates that address the input validation issues in the theme handling functionality. Administrators should ensure all systems are updated to versions 1.0.5 or later for Groupware and 1.0.6 or later for Groupware Webmail Edition. Additionally, implementing proper input validation and sanitization measures, such as removing or encoding special characters in theme names, can prevent exploitation. Network segmentation and access controls should be enforced to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation. Regular security audits and monitoring for unusual file access patterns can help detect potential abuse of this vulnerability. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and the potential for authenticated attackers to escalate privileges through seemingly minor flaws in application logic.