CVE-2011-4001 in Nikki
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in HP no Mawashimono Nikki 6.6 and earlier allows remote attackers to read and modify arbitrary files via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/13/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-4001 represents a directory traversal flaw affecting HP no Mawashimono Nikki version 6.6 and earlier. This directory traversal vulnerability enables remote attackers to access and manipulate arbitrary files on the affected system through unspecified attack vectors. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and improper handling of file path references within the application's file access mechanisms. Such vulnerabilities are particularly dangerous because they allow attackers to bypass normal access controls and potentially gain unauthorized access to sensitive data or system resources.
This vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-22, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal. The weakness occurs when an application allows user-supplied input to influence file system operations without proper sanitization or validation. The attack vector typically involves manipulating file path references through sequences such as ../ or ..\ to navigate outside the intended directory structure. In the context of HP no Mawashimono Nikki, this vulnerability manifests when the application processes user input that affects file operations, potentially allowing attackers to read system files, configuration data, or other sensitive resources that should remain protected.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-4001 extends beyond simple data access, as it provides attackers with the capability to modify arbitrary files on the affected system. This dual capability to read and write files creates significant security implications for organizations relying on this software. Attackers could potentially escalate their privileges by modifying system files, injecting malicious code, or accessing confidential information stored in the application's file system. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers do not require physical access to the system, making it particularly concerning for networked environments where the application may be exposed to external threats. The unspecified vectors in the original description suggest that multiple attack pathways may exist, potentially including web-based interfaces, file upload mechanisms, or other input points that process user-supplied file paths.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigations to protect their systems. The primary recommendation involves applying the vendor-provided patches or updates that address the directory traversal flaw in HP no Mawashimono Nikki. System administrators should also consider implementing input validation controls, restricting file access permissions, and monitoring for suspicious file access patterns. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with techniques such as T1078 Valid Accounts for maintaining persistence and T1566 Phishing for initial access, as attackers may leverage this flaw to establish footholds within systems. Additionally, network segmentation and firewall rules should be configured to limit access to the affected application and restrict unnecessary file system access. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in other applications and systems within the organization's infrastructure.