CVE-2013-5984 in Microweber
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in userfiles/modules/admin/backup/delete.php in Microweber before 0.830 allows remote attackers to delete arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the file parameter.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/21/2022
The CVE-2013-5984 vulnerability represents a critical directory traversal flaw in the Microweber content management system prior to version 0.830. This vulnerability resides within the file deletion functionality of the administrative backup module, specifically in the userfiles/modules/admin/backup/delete.php script. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly restrict file path manipulation attempts. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious requests containing directory traversal sequences such as .. (dot dot) in the file parameter, enabling them to navigate beyond the intended directory boundaries and target arbitrary files on the server filesystem. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-22, which defines improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when the application processes user-supplied input without adequate validation, allowing attackers to manipulate file paths through the file parameter. When the backup delete functionality receives a request containing traversal sequences, the application fails to sanitize or validate the input before processing, resulting in the execution of unintended file deletion operations. The vulnerability specifically affects the administrative backup module, which typically requires elevated privileges to access, making the potential impact more severe as attackers could potentially delete critical system files, configuration files, or even user data. This type of attack falls under the ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, as it involves manipulation of file system operations through web-based interfaces.
The operational impact of CVE-2013-5984 extends beyond simple file deletion capabilities, potentially enabling attackers to compromise entire server environments through cascading effects. Successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise, data loss, service disruption, and potential persistence mechanisms within the compromised system. Organizations running vulnerable versions of Microweber face significant risks as this vulnerability can be exploited remotely without requiring authentication for the affected administrative interface. The vulnerability demonstrates a fundamental lack of input validation controls that should be implemented at multiple layers of the application architecture. From a security posture perspective, this flaw represents a critical gap in the application's defense-in-depth strategy, as it allows attackers to bypass normal access controls and directly manipulate the file system through the web interface. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of proper privilege separation and least privilege principles in web application development.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-5984 require immediate implementation of proper input validation and sanitization measures within the affected application components. Organizations should upgrade to Microweber version 0.830 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the directory traversal vulnerability. Additionally, administrators should implement proper access controls, including authentication and authorization checks, to limit access to administrative functions to authorized personnel only. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls and intrusion prevention systems can provide additional layers of defense against exploitation attempts. The remediation process should include comprehensive code review to identify and address similar input validation gaps in other application modules. Security monitoring and logging should be enhanced to detect suspicious file system access patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify and remediate similar weaknesses in the application architecture. This vulnerability underscores the critical importance of implementing secure coding practices and maintaining up-to-date software versions as part of comprehensive cybersecurity risk management programs.