CVE-2008-2635 in BitKinex
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple directory traversal vulnerabilities in BitKinex 2.9.3 allow remote FTP and WebDAV servers to create or overwrite arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in (1) a response to a LIST command from the BitKinex FTP client and (2) a response to a PROPFIND command from the BitKinex WebDAV client. NOTE: this can be leveraged for code execution by writing to a Startup folder.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/25/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-2635 represents a critical directory traversal flaw affecting BitKinex 2.9.3, a popular FTP and WebDAV client software. This vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation within the client's handling of directory listing responses from remote servers, creating a pathway for malicious actors to manipulate file system operations through carefully crafted server responses. The flaw exists in both the FTP client's LIST command processing and the WebDAV client's PROPFIND command handling, demonstrating a fundamental weakness in how the application processes directory traversal sequences from remote sources.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability relies on the manipulation of directory traversal sequences using the ".." (dot dot) notation within server responses. When BitKinex processes FTP LIST commands or WebDAV PROPFIND responses containing these sequences, the client fails to properly sanitize or validate the directory paths, allowing attackers to specify arbitrary file locations for creation or overwriting operations. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal. The flaw enables attackers to bypass normal file system access controls and potentially write files to sensitive locations within the target system's file hierarchy.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-2635 extends beyond simple file manipulation to include potential code execution capabilities, particularly when attackers can target system startup folders or other critical directories. This vulnerability can be leveraged to place malicious executables or scripts in locations that automatically execute during system startup or user login processes, effectively creating a persistent backdoor. The ability to write to Startup folders or similar system locations provides attackers with a method for maintaining long-term access to compromised systems, as highlighted in various ATT&CK framework techniques related to persistence mechanisms. The vulnerability's remote nature means that exploitation can occur without requiring physical access to the target system, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where FTP and WebDAV services are commonly used.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of affected BitKinex installations to version 2.9.4 or later, which contains the necessary input validation fixes. Organizations should also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure to potentially malicious FTP and WebDAV servers. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual file creation patterns in system directories, particularly those associated with startup processes or system configuration folders. Network administrators should consider implementing proxy or filtering solutions that can detect and block suspicious directory traversal sequences in FTP and WebDAV communications. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of validating all input from remote sources and implementing proper path sanitization mechanisms, which aligns with security best practices outlined in various cybersecurity frameworks including NIST SP 800-160 and ISO/IEC 27001 standards for secure system development and operation.