CVE-2009-3151 in TimeSheet
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in actions/downloadFile.php in Ultrize TimeSheet 1.2.2 allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the fileName parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/07/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-3151 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the Ultrize TimeSheet 1.2.2 web application. This weakness exists in the actions/downloadFile.php script which processes file download requests without proper input validation. The vulnerability stems from the application's failure to sanitize user-supplied input parameters, specifically the fileName parameter that accepts directory traversal sequences. Attackers can exploit this by crafting malicious requests containing .. (dot dot) sequences that manipulate the file path resolution mechanism, allowing unauthorized access to files outside the intended directory structure.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability falls under CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. This weakness enables attackers to access files that should normally be restricted, including system configuration files, database files, application source code, and sensitive user data. The flaw operates by bypassing normal file access controls through manipulation of relative path references, where the .. sequence attempts to navigate up the directory tree. When the web application processes such input without proper sanitization, it can inadvertently resolve paths to arbitrary locations on the server filesystem, leading to unauthorized information disclosure.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to organizations utilizing Ultrize TimeSheet 1.2.2 as it allows remote attackers to potentially access sensitive business data, including employee records, project information, and potentially system credentials. The attack can be executed remotely without requiring authentication, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by anyone who can access the vulnerable web application. Successful exploitation could lead to data breaches, intellectual property theft, and compliance violations, especially in environments where the application handles confidential information. The impact extends beyond simple information disclosure as attackers might gain insights into the application's architecture and potentially identify additional vulnerabilities through access to configuration files and source code.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2009-3151 should focus on implementing proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the application. The most effective approach involves implementing strict input validation that rejects or filters out directory traversal sequences such as .., %2e%2e, and other variants that could be used to manipulate file paths. Organizations should also implement proper access controls and ensure that the application runs with minimal required privileges. The principle of least privilege should be applied to restrict file system access to only necessary directories. Additionally, regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the application. Updates to the Ultrize TimeSheet application should be prioritized to address this vulnerability, as the vendor has likely released patches or newer versions that resolve this issue. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious directory traversal attempts and prevent exploitation of such vulnerabilities.