CVE-2011-0063 in Majordomo 2
Summary
by MITRE
The _list_file_get function in lib/Majordomo.pm in Majordomo 2 20110203 and earlier allows remote attackers to conduct directory traversal attacks and read arbitrary files via a ./.../ sequence in the "extra" parameter to the help command, which causes the regular expression to produce .. (dot dot) sequences. NOTE: this vulnerability is due to an incomplete fix for CVE-2011-0049.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/31/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-0063 represents a critical directory traversal flaw in the Majordomo mailing list management system, specifically within the _list_file_get function located in lib/Majordomo.pm. This vulnerability affects versions up to and including 20110203, and stems from an inadequate patch for a previously discovered vulnerability CVE-2011-0049, creating a regression that reintroduces the dangerous directory traversal capability. The flaw manifests when a remote attacker manipulates the "extra" parameter of the help command by injecting sequences containing ./.../ patterns that are processed through a vulnerable regular expression. This particular regex processing generates .. (dot dot) sequences that enable attackers to navigate beyond the intended directory boundaries and access arbitrary files on the server filesystem. The technical implementation of this vulnerability operates at the input validation layer where user-supplied data is not properly sanitized before being processed by the file system operations, allowing malicious input to bypass normal access controls and potentially expose sensitive system files, configuration data, or private information stored on the server.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-0063 extends beyond simple unauthorized file access, as it provides attackers with the capability to escalate privileges and potentially gain deeper system access. This 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. The attack vector specifically targets the help command functionality, which is typically accessible to legitimate users and may be exposed through various interfaces including web forms, command line utilities, or API endpoints. Security professionals should recognize this as a classic example of how incomplete security patches can create more dangerous vulnerabilities than the original flaw, as the remediation for CVE-2011-0049 failed to completely address all possible injection vectors. The vulnerability operates under ATT&CK technique T1083, which covers file and directory discovery, and T1566, covering credential access through social engineering or exploitation of system vulnerabilities. The severity classification of this vulnerability is elevated because it allows attackers to read files that may contain database connection strings, system credentials, application configuration settings, or other sensitive information that could lead to further compromise of the affected system.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-0063 require immediate patching of the Majordomo software to the latest available version that contains a proper fix for both CVE-2011-0049 and CVE-2011-0063. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation and sanitization measures at all points where user-supplied data enters the system, particularly in command processing functions. The recommended approach involves implementing strict path validation that rejects any input containing .. sequences or other traversal patterns, combined with proper access control mechanisms that ensure file system operations occur within designated safe directories. Network-level protections should include firewall rules that restrict access to the help command and other vulnerable interfaces, while application-level controls should enforce proper authentication and authorization checks before allowing file system operations. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual patterns in help command usage or attempts to access system resources that would not normally occur during legitimate operation. Additionally, system administrators should conduct thorough audits of file permissions and access controls to ensure that even if exploitation occurs, the impact is minimized through proper privilege separation and least-privilege principles. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of complete security patch management and the necessity of thorough testing of security fixes to prevent regressions that can create more dangerous conditions than the original vulnerabilities they were intended to address.