CVE-2008-1606 in Elastic Path
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple directory traversal vulnerabilities in Elastic Path (EP) 4.1 and 4.1.1 allow remote attackers to (1) download arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the file parameter to manager/getImportFileRedirect.jsp, (2) upload arbitrary files via a "..\" (dot dot backslash) in the file parameter to importData.jsp, and (3) list directory contents via a .. (dot dot) in the dir parameter to manager/fileManager.jsp.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/16/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-1606 represents a critical directory traversal flaw affecting Elastic Path e-commerce platform versions 4.1 and 4.1.1. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the application's file handling components, specifically exposing three distinct attack vectors through different.jsp endpoints. The flaw allows remote attackers to manipulate file paths through carefully crafted directory traversal sequences that bypass normal access controls and authentication mechanisms. These vulnerabilities are particularly concerning as they provide attackers with unauthorized access to the underlying file system, potentially enabling data exfiltration, system compromise, and privilege escalation attacks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability manifests through three specific attack vectors that exploit weak input sanitization in the application's file management functions. The first vector targets manager/getImportFileRedirect.jsp where a simple .. (dot dot) sequence in the file parameter enables attackers to traverse directories and download arbitrary files from the server's file system. The second vector operates through importData.jsp which accepts "..\" (dot dot backslash) sequences in the file parameter, allowing attackers to upload malicious files to arbitrary locations within the server's directory structure. The third vector targets manager/fileManager.jsp where .. (dot dot) sequences in the dir parameter permit directory listing operations that reveal sensitive file system information. Each of these vectors directly violates fundamental security principles of input validation and access control enforcement, creating pathways for unauthorized system access that align with CWE-22 Directory Traversal vulnerabilities.
The operational impact of these directory traversal vulnerabilities extends beyond simple data theft to encompass complete system compromise and business disruption. Attackers can leverage these vulnerabilities to access sensitive configuration files, database credentials, application source code, and other confidential data stored on the server. The ability to upload arbitrary files through the importData.jsp endpoint creates potential for remote code execution scenarios, especially if the application processes uploaded files without proper security checks. Directory listing capabilities provide attackers with comprehensive reconnaissance data about the target system's file structure, enabling more sophisticated attack planning. These vulnerabilities directly map to several ATT&CK techniques including T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and T1566 (Phishing for Information), with potential progression to T1059 (Command and Scripting Interpreter) and T1078 (Valid Accounts) depending on the system's access controls and the attacker's objectives.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-1606 should prioritize immediate patching of affected Elastic Path installations to version 4.1.2 or later, which contains the necessary input validation fixes. Organizations should implement comprehensive input sanitization at all application entry points, particularly for file parameter handling, utilizing strict path validation and normalization techniques. The implementation of proper access controls and privilege separation mechanisms is essential to limit the impact of successful traversal attempts. Network segmentation and firewall rules should restrict access to administrative endpoints like manager/getImportFileRedirect.jsp, importData.jsp, and manager/fileManager.jsp to trusted administrative networks only. Regular security auditing of file handling components and implementation of web application firewalls can provide additional defense layers against similar vulnerabilities. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation and proper file system access controls, aligning with security best practices outlined in OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity frameworks for preventing directory traversal attacks.