CVE-2010-3930 in Evolution
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in MODx Evolution 1.0.4 and earlier allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via unspecified vectors related to AjaxSearch, a different vulnerability than CVE-2010-1427.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/17/2018
The directory traversal vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-3930 affects MODx Evolution versions 1.0.4 and earlier, specifically within the AjaxSearch component of the content management system. This vulnerability represents a critical security flaw that enables remote attackers to access arbitrary files on the server through unspecified vectors related to the AjaxSearch functionality. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and improper file path handling within the AjaxSearch module, creating an exploitable condition that allows attackers to navigate beyond the intended directory structure.
The technical implementation of this flaw involves the manipulation of file path parameters that are processed by the AjaxSearch component without adequate sanitization or validation. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious requests that include directory traversal sequences such as "../" or similar path manipulation techniques to access files outside the web root directory. This vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be classified under CWE-22, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal. The flaw allows attackers to potentially access sensitive files including configuration files, database credentials, application source code, and other confidential data that should remain protected from unauthorized access.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file disclosure, as it can provide attackers with substantial information that may lead to further exploitation opportunities within the compromised system. Successful exploitation can result in complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and potential lateral movement within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of the MODx Evolution installation, potentially exposing sensitive system information that could be leveraged for privilege escalation or to gain deeper access to the underlying infrastructure. Organizations using affected versions of MODx Evolution face significant risk of unauthorized data access and potential system takeover.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate patching and updates to MODx Evolution versions that have addressed this specific directory traversal flaw. System administrators should implement proper input validation and sanitization measures to prevent path traversal attacks, including the removal of special characters from user inputs and the implementation of strict file access controls. Network-based defenses should include web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious path traversal patterns, while also implementing proper access controls and least privilege principles for web application components. The remediation process should also involve comprehensive security audits of the affected system to identify any potential compromise from previous exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing monitoring and logging mechanisms to detect anomalous file access patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083, which covers directory and file searches, and represents a fundamental security weakness that requires immediate attention to prevent potential system compromise and data breaches.