CVE-2008-5518 in Geronimo
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple directory traversal vulnerabilities in the web administration console in Apache Geronimo Application Server 2.1 through 2.1.3 on Windows allow remote attackers to upload files to arbitrary directories via directory traversal sequences in the (1) group, (2) artifact, (3) version, or (4) fileType parameter to console/portal//Services/Repository (aka the Services/Repository portlet); the (5) createDB parameter to console/portal/Embedded DB/DB Manager (aka the Embedded DB/DB Manager portlet); or the (6) filename parameter to the createKeystore script in the Security/Keystores portlet.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/27/2024
The vulnerability CVE-2008-5518 represents a critical directory traversal flaw affecting Apache Geronimo Application Server versions 2.1 through 2.1.3 on Windows platforms. This vulnerability resides within the web administration console and exposes multiple attack vectors through various portlets including Services/Repository, Embedded DB/DB Manager, and Security/Keystores. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and path sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly handle directory traversal sequences, allowing malicious actors to manipulate file upload operations and write files to arbitrary locations within the server's filesystem.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through specific parameter manipulation within the affected portlets. Attackers can craft malicious requests containing directory traversal sequences such as ../ or ..\ to bypass normal file upload restrictions. When these sequences are processed through the group, artifact, version, or fileType parameters in the Services/Repository portlet, they enable unauthorized file placement in directories outside the intended upload locations. Similarly, the createDB parameter in the Embedded DB/DB Manager portlet and the filename parameter in the createKeystore script within the Security/Keystores portlet can be manipulated to achieve the same directory traversal effects.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted. Remote attackers can leverage these directory traversal flaws to upload malicious files to critical system directories, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution, privilege escalation, or complete system compromise. The vulnerability affects Windows environments specifically, making it particularly dangerous in corporate environments where Windows-based servers are prevalent. Successful exploitation could allow attackers to install backdoors, modify system files, or gain persistent access to the application server, undermining the integrity and confidentiality of the entire infrastructure.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-22 Directory Traversal and CWE-23 Relative Path Traversal, both of which are categorized under the broader weakness of improper input validation. The attack patterns associated with this vulnerability map to multiple ATT&CK techniques including T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter, T1078 Valid Accounts, and T1505 Server Software Component. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic lack of proper input sanitization and path validation, which represents a fundamental security flaw in web application development practices. Organizations should prioritize immediate remediation through patching to version 2.1.4 or later, implement network segmentation to limit access to administrative consoles, and deploy web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious directory traversal attempts. Additionally, regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications and systems within the organization's infrastructure.