CVE-2013-1641 in QuiXplorer
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in the zip download functionality in QuiXplorer before 2.5.5 allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the selitems[] parameter in a download_selected action to index.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/03/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-1641 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the QuiXplorer file management system prior to version 2.5.5. This vulnerability specifically affects the zip download functionality, which is a common feature in web-based file managers that allows users to select multiple files and download them as a compressed archive. The flaw arises from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the selitems[] parameter processing logic in the index.php script when handling download_selected actions. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by crafting malicious requests that include directory traversal sequences such as .. (dot dot) within the selitems[] parameter, enabling them to bypass normal file access controls and retrieve files from arbitrary locations on the server filesystem.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's failure to properly validate and sanitize user-supplied input before using it in file operations. When the QuiXplorer system processes the download_selected action, it accepts user-provided file paths through the selitems[] array without adequate filtering or normalization. This allows an attacker to inject directory traversal sequences that manipulate the file system navigation logic, effectively moving up directory levels beyond the intended scope of accessible files. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-22 - Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory, which is a well-established weakness in web applications that fail to properly validate file paths and prevent access to unauthorized directories.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a severe risk to organizations using affected versions of QuiXplorer, as it enables remote attackers to access sensitive files that may contain configuration data, user credentials, application source code, or other confidential information. The impact extends beyond simple file disclosure, as attackers could potentially access system files, database configuration files, or application source code that might reveal additional vulnerabilities or provide insights for further exploitation. The remote nature of this attack means that an attacker does not require local system access or authentication to exploit the vulnerability, making it particularly dangerous in environments where the file manager is exposed to untrusted networks. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1083 - File and Directory Discovery, as it allows adversaries to enumerate and access files outside the intended scope of the application's file system access controls.
The mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-1641 primarily involve upgrading to QuiXplorer version 2.5.5 or later, which contains the necessary input validation fixes to prevent directory traversal attacks. Organizations should also implement additional defensive measures including input sanitization at multiple layers, implementing proper access controls that restrict file system access to authenticated users only, and deploying web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious traversal sequences. Network segmentation and limiting exposure of file management interfaces to trusted networks can also reduce the attack surface. Security monitoring should include detection of suspicious file access patterns and directory traversal attempts in web server logs, as these activities may indicate exploitation attempts. Organizations should also conduct regular security assessments of web applications to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of their infrastructure, as directory traversal flaws often occur in file handling functions across different applications. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of input validation and proper access control implementation in web applications, particularly those handling file system operations.