CVE-2008-1564 in File Transfer
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in Dan Costin File Transfer before 1.2f allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a "..\" (dot dot backslash) in the filename.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/16/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-1564 represents a classic directory traversal flaw affecting Dan Costin File Transfer software versions prior to 1.2f. This security weakness enables remote attackers to access files outside the intended directory structure through manipulation of filename parameters. The specific exploitation technique involves using the "..\" sequence which, when processed by the vulnerable application, allows traversal beyond the designated file access boundaries. This type of vulnerability falls under the broader category of path traversal attacks that have been consistently documented in cybersecurity literature and threat intelligence reports.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the file transfer application's processing logic. When the application receives a filename containing the "..\" sequence, it fails to properly sanitize or validate the input before attempting file operations. This allows the attacker to craft malicious requests that can navigate through directory structures and access files that should remain protected or restricted. The flaw operates at the application layer where user-supplied data is directly incorporated into file system operations without proper security controls. This vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited remotely without requiring authentication, making it a critical security concern for any system running the affected software.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized file access. Attackers can potentially read sensitive system files, configuration data, or user information that may contain credentials, personal data, or system configurations. The ability to traverse directories and access arbitrary files creates a significant risk for data confidentiality and system integrity. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal. The attack vector represents a common technique used by threat actors to escalate privileges and gain unauthorized access to system resources, often serving as an initial foothold for more extensive attacks.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability demonstrates the importance of implementing proper input validation and secure coding practices. The flaw violates fundamental security principles including least privilege and input sanitization, which are core requirements in security frameworks such as those defined by the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines. Organizations should consider implementing network segmentation, access controls, and monitoring solutions to detect and prevent exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also highlights the need for regular software updates and patch management processes, as the issue was resolved in version 1.2f of the affected software. Security teams should conduct vulnerability assessments to identify similar issues in other applications and ensure that all systems are running patched versions to prevent exploitation attempts that could lead to data breaches or system compromise.