CVE-2011-4450 in WikkaWiki
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in handlers/files.xml/files.xml.php in WikkaWiki 1.3.1 and 1.3.2 allows remote attackers to read or delete arbitrary files via a non-initial .. (dot dot) in the file parameter, as demonstrated by the /../../wikka.config.php pathname in a download action.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/26/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-4450 represents a critical directory traversal flaw in WikkaWiki versions 1.3.1 and 1.3.2 that fundamentally compromises the application's file access controls. This weakness exists within the file handling mechanism located in handlers/files.xml/files.xml.php, where the application fails to properly validate or sanitize user-supplied file parameters. The vulnerability specifically manifests when attackers exploit the download action by inserting non-initial dot-dot sequences such as /../../wikka.config.php into the file parameter, enabling them to bypass normal file access restrictions and gain unauthorized access to sensitive system files.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and path resolution logic within the WikkaWiki file handler. When processing file requests, the application does not sufficiently sanitize the file parameter to prevent directory traversal sequences, allowing attackers to manipulate the file path resolution process. This flaw operates under CWE-22, which classifies directory traversal vulnerabilities as a fundamental weakness in input validation and path handling. The vulnerability enables attackers to perform both read and delete operations on arbitrary files, making it particularly dangerous as it provides complete file system access beyond the intended application boundaries.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses severe security implications for WikkaWiki installations, as it allows remote attackers to access critical configuration files such as wikka.config.php, which typically contain database credentials, administrative passwords, and other sensitive system information. The ability to delete arbitrary files further compounds the damage potential, enabling attackers to disrupt service availability or remove critical application components. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers do not require local system access or authentication credentials to leverage this weakness, making it particularly attractive for automated exploitation campaigns.
The impact of CVE-2011-4450 aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083, which describes the discovery of system information through directory traversal attacks. Organizations running affected WikkaWiki versions face significant risk of data breaches, system compromise, and potential lateral movement within their network infrastructure. The vulnerability's exploitation typically follows the pattern of appending multiple directory traversal sequences to access files outside the application's intended document root, making it particularly effective against poorly configured web applications. Security practitioners should consider this vulnerability in the context of broader web application security frameworks, as it demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and secure file handling practices. The remediation approach requires immediate patching of affected versions or implementation of proper input sanitization measures to prevent path traversal sequences from being processed by the application's file handling routines.