CVE-2010-2079 in DataTrack System
Summary
by MITRE
DataTrack System 3.5 allows remote attackers to bypass intended restrictions on file extensions, and read arbitrary files, via a trailing backslash in a URI, as demonstrated by (1) web.config\ and (2) .ascx\ files.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/14/2021
The vulnerability described in CVE-2010-2079 affects the DataTrack System version 3.5, a web-based content management platform that suffers from improper input validation and path traversal mechanisms. This flaw exists in the URI processing logic where the application fails to properly sanitize or normalize URL paths before attempting to access files on the server filesystem. The specific technical weakness manifests when attackers manipulate URI strings by appending trailing backslashes to file paths, which the system does not adequately handle during access control validation. This vulnerability falls under the category of improper input validation and path traversal attacks, with direct implications for file system access control and information disclosure.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability relies on the web server's handling of trailing backslashes in URI paths, which can cause the system to interpret file requests differently than intended. When an attacker submits a request such as web.config\ or .ascx\, the system's path resolution mechanism fails to properly validate or normalize these paths, allowing unauthorized access to sensitive files that should be protected by access controls. This behavior creates a path traversal condition where the trailing backslash causes the web server to resolve the path in a way that bypasses intended security restrictions. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows attackers to access configuration files, source code files, and other sensitive resources that contain authentication credentials, database connection strings, and application logic that could be used for further exploitation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure to potentially enable more sophisticated attacks within the compromised system. Attackers can leverage this weakness to access web.config files which often contain database connection strings, encryption keys, and other sensitive configuration data that could be used for lateral movement within the network. The ability to read .ascx files suggests that attackers can access ASP.NET user controls and potentially discover application logic, business rules, and other implementation details that could be exploited for privilege escalation or additional attack vectors. This vulnerability directly violates the principle of least privilege and demonstrates inadequate input sanitization mechanisms that should be implemented at the application layer to prevent such path traversal attacks. The weakness can be categorized under CWE-22 Path Traversal and CWE-23 Relative Path Traversal, both of which are commonly exploited in web application security breaches.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing robust input validation and path normalization mechanisms within the DataTrack System. Organizations should ensure that all URI paths are properly sanitized and normalized before any file access operations occur, eliminating the possibility of trailing backslashes or other path manipulation techniques from affecting access control decisions. The system should implement strict file extension validation and enforce proper access controls that do not rely on path traversal behavior. Security measures should include input validation at multiple layers, including the web server configuration, application-level validation, and proper file system access controls. Additionally, implementing proper logging and monitoring of file access attempts can help detect and respond to exploitation attempts. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083 File and Directory Discovery, as it enables attackers to enumerate and access files that should be protected. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and input validation rules that specifically target path traversal patterns and prevent malformed URI requests from reaching the application backend.