CVE-2008-5678 in OLIB7 WebView
Summary
by MITRE
Fretwell-Downing Informatics (FDI) OLIB7 WebView 2.5.1.1 allows remote authenticated users to obtain sensitive information from files via the infile parameter to the default URI under cgi/, as demonstrated by the (1) get_settings.ini, (2) setup.ini, and (3) text.ini files.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/06/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-5678 affects Fretwell-Downing Informatics OLIB7 WebView version 2.5.1.1, representing a critical information disclosure flaw that enables remote authenticated attackers to access sensitive configuration files through improper input validation mechanisms. This vulnerability resides within the web application's file handling functionality and specifically targets the cgi directory where the default URI processes user-supplied input parameters. The flaw manifests when the application fails to properly sanitize or validate the infile parameter, allowing attackers to traverse the file system and retrieve sensitive data from critical configuration files that should remain protected within the application's internal structure.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from a classic path traversal or directory traversal attack vector that operates through the web application's CGI interface. When an authenticated user submits a malicious infile parameter to the default URI endpoint under the cgi directory, the application processes this input without adequate validation or sanitization, enabling the attacker to specify arbitrary file paths within the application's file system. The vulnerability specifically targets three critical configuration files: get_settings.ini, setup.ini, and text.ini, which typically contain sensitive information including database connection strings, application settings, user credentials, and other system configuration parameters that could provide attackers with substantial insights into the application's internal workings and infrastructure.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the retrieved configuration files may contain sensitive data that could facilitate further attacks within the compromised environment. Attackers who successfully exploit this vulnerability can obtain database connection credentials, application configuration details, and potentially user account information that could enable them to escalate privileges or conduct additional attacks against the underlying systems. This vulnerability represents a significant risk to organizations utilizing the affected software, as it provides unauthorized access to critical system configuration data that could be leveraged for privilege escalation, data exfiltration, or as a stepping stone for more sophisticated attacks.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. From an adversarial perspective, this flaw maps to multiple ATT&CK techniques including T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and T1552 (Unsecured Credentials) as attackers can systematically discover and extract sensitive information from the application's configuration files. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including input validation controls, proper file access controls, and restrictions on file system access for web applications. The recommended remediation involves implementing strict parameter validation, employing whitelisting approaches for file access, and ensuring that web applications operate with minimal required privileges to prevent unauthorized file system access. Additionally, regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other web applications within the organization's infrastructure, particularly focusing on CGI-based interfaces and file handling mechanisms that process user-supplied input parameters.