CVE-2012-1024 in Enigma2 Webinterface
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in file in Enigma2 Webinterface 1.5rc1 and 1.5beta4 allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the file parameter.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/12/2024
The directory traversal vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-1024 affects the Enigma2 webinterface version 1.5rc1 and 1.5beta4, representing a critical security flaw that enables remote attackers to access arbitrary files on the affected system. This vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation within the file parameter processing mechanism, allowing malicious actors to manipulate file paths through the use of directory traversal sequences such as .. (dot dot). The flaw specifically impacts the web interface component that handles file operations, creating an exploitable condition where user-supplied input is directly incorporated into file system operations without proper sanitization or validation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability falls under CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. In the context of Enigma2 webinterface, attackers can construct malicious URLs containing directory traversal sequences that bypass normal file access controls. When the web application processes these requests, it interprets the .. sequences as navigation commands that traverse up the directory hierarchy, potentially allowing access to sensitive system files, configuration data, or other restricted resources that should not be accessible through the web interface. The vulnerability exists because the application fails to properly validate or sanitize user input before using it in file system operations, creating a direct path traversal condition.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it provides attackers with the ability to read arbitrary files from the system, potentially exposing sensitive information including configuration files, authentication credentials, system logs, or other confidential data. Remote attackers can exploit this vulnerability without requiring any prior authentication or access to the system, making it particularly dangerous in environments where the Enigma2 webinterface is exposed to untrusted networks. The vulnerability could enable attackers to escalate their privileges, gain deeper system access, or extract valuable information that could be used for further attacks. This type of vulnerability directly violates the principle of least privilege and can lead to complete system compromise depending on the sensitivity of files accessible through the traversal mechanism.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the web application. The primary defense involves ensuring that all user-supplied input is rigorously validated before being used in file system operations, including the removal or encoding of directory traversal sequences such as .. or %2e%2e. Organizations should implement strict path validation that verifies file access requests against a predefined whitelist of allowed directories and files, preventing access to arbitrary locations within the file system. Additionally, the web interface should be configured with appropriate access controls and authentication mechanisms to limit exposure, while regular security updates and patches should be applied to address known vulnerabilities. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083, which covers discovering file and directory permissions, and represents a classic example of how insufficient input validation can lead to privilege escalation and information disclosure attacks. The remediation process should also include comprehensive security testing of web applications to identify similar path traversal vulnerabilities and ensure that proper security controls are in place to prevent unauthorized file access.