CVE-2011-10010 in QuickShare File Server
Summary
by MITRE • 08/14/2025
QuickShare File Server 1.2.1 contains a path traversal vulnerability in its FTP service due to improper sanitation of user-supplied file paths. Authenticated users can exploit this flaw by submitting crafted sequences to access or write files outside the intended virtual directory. When the "Writable" option is enabled (default during account creation), this allows attackers to upload arbitrary files to privileged locations such as system32, enabling remote code execution via MOF injection or executable placement.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/15/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-10010 affects QuickShare File Server version 1.2.1 and represents a critical path traversal flaw within its FTP service implementation. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization of user-supplied file paths, creating a fundamental security weakness that allows authenticated attackers to manipulate file access patterns beyond the intended virtual directory boundaries. The flaw specifically manifests when the FTP service processes file operations that involve user-provided path information without proper normalization or validation mechanisms.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability relies on the improper handling of directory traversal sequences such as ../ or ..\ that allow attackers to navigate outside the designated file system boundaries. When an authenticated user submits crafted file path sequences to the FTP service, the system fails to adequately sanitize these inputs, enabling attackers to access or manipulate files in directories outside the intended virtual root. This weakness becomes particularly dangerous when the "Writable" option is enabled, which occurs by default during account creation, as it grants the ability to perform write operations in the affected system directories.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized file access to enable full remote code execution capabilities. When attackers can write files to privileged system locations such as system32, they gain the ability to deploy malicious payloads that can persist across system reboots and execute with elevated privileges. This threat model aligns with common attack patterns documented in the attack mitigation framework where path traversal vulnerabilities are leveraged to achieve privilege escalation and persistent access. The specific technique of MOF injection represents a well-documented method for achieving remote code execution on windows systems through the manipulation of management object files in system directories.
The security implications of this vulnerability demonstrate a classic example of insufficient input validation that directly maps to CWE-22, which describes path traversal vulnerabilities in software systems. This weakness creates a direct pathway for attackers to bypass intended access controls and potentially compromise entire systems through the execution of malicious code. Organizations running QuickShare File Server 1.2.1 are particularly vulnerable because the default configuration enables write capabilities, creating an environment where the vulnerability can be exploited without additional attack vectors. The attack surface expands significantly when considering that attackers only require authentication credentials to exploit this flaw, making it particularly dangerous in environments where user accounts are not properly managed or secured.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patching of the QuickShare File Server software to address the path traversal implementation flaws. Organizations should also implement strict input validation measures that normalize and sanitize all user-supplied file paths before processing, ensuring that directory traversal sequences are properly detected and rejected. Network segmentation and access control measures can provide additional defense in depth, limiting the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar issues in other file transfer services and applications within the organization's infrastructure. The remediation process should also include reviewing and updating default configuration settings to disable unnecessary write capabilities unless explicitly required for legitimate business operations.