CVE-2013-1645 in Server
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in Open-Xchange Server before 6.20.7 rev14, 6.22.0 before rev13, and 6.22.1 before rev14 allows remote authenticated users to read arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the publication template path.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/26/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-1645 represents a critical directory traversal flaw in the Open-Xchange Server platform that affects multiple version ranges including 6.20.7 rev14 and below, 6.22.0 rev13 and below, and 6.22.1 rev14 and below. This directory traversal vulnerability specifically targets the publication template path functionality within the server implementation, allowing authenticated attackers to exploit improper input validation mechanisms that fail to adequately sanitize user-supplied path parameters. The flaw enables malicious users to navigate outside the intended directory structure and access arbitrary files on the underlying file system through the use of standard directory traversal sequences such as the .. (dot dot) notation. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-22 category of Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory, which is a well-established weakness pattern that has been consistently exploited across numerous web applications and server platforms.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an authenticated user account within the Open-Xchange Server environment, which significantly reduces the attack surface compared to unauthenticated exploits. However, the impact remains severe as the authenticated access requirement does not prevent the attacker from potentially accessing sensitive configuration files, user data, application source code, or system credentials that may be stored in accessible directories. The vulnerability operates by failing to properly validate or sanitize the publication template path parameter, allowing attackers to inject directory traversal sequences that bypass normal access controls and file system restrictions. This type of flaw typically occurs when the application directly incorporates user input into file system operations without proper sanitization or normalization of path components, creating a direct pathway for unauthorized file access.
The operational impact of CVE-2013-1645 extends beyond simple information disclosure as it can potentially lead to complete system compromise when combined with other vulnerabilities or when sensitive files are accessed. Attackers could potentially retrieve database connection strings, application configuration files containing passwords, or even system binaries that could be used for further exploitation. The vulnerability's presence in multiple version streams indicates a persistent flaw in the application's input handling mechanisms that was not adequately addressed in the patch releases prior to the mentioned revision numbers. Organizations running affected versions of Open-Xchange Server face significant risk of data breaches, regulatory compliance violations, and potential system compromise. The attack vector requires authentication, which means that privilege escalation or account compromise through other means would be necessary to fully exploit this vulnerability, but once achieved, the impact could be substantial.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patching of affected systems to versions that properly address the directory traversal flaw. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation and sanitization measures that normalize all path parameters and reject any input containing directory traversal sequences. The implementation of proper access controls and privilege separation can help limit the damage even if the vulnerability is exploited. System administrators should also consider implementing network segmentation and monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability would map to T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and potentially T1566 (Phishing for Information) if initial access requires social engineering. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify similar flaws in other applications and systems, as directory traversal vulnerabilities are commonly found in web applications and server platforms. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of proper input validation and the principle of least privilege in application security design.