CVE-2013-6000 in Tattyan Hptown
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in Tattyan HP TOWN before 5_10_1 allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in a request.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/21/2018
The CVE-2013-6000 vulnerability represents a classic directory traversal flaw in the Tattyan HP TOWN software version prior to 5_10_1. This vulnerability resides in the web application's handling of user-supplied input within file request parameters, creating a pathway for remote attackers to access files outside the intended directory structure. The flaw specifically manifests when the application fails to properly validate or sanitize input containing directory traversal sequences such as .. (dot dot) characters. This weakness allows malicious actors to navigate through the file system hierarchy and potentially access sensitive system files, configuration data, or user information that should remain protected within the application's designated boundaries.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation mechanisms within the Tattyan HP TOWN web interface. When a remote attacker submits a request containing directory traversal sequences, the application processes these requests without adequate sanitization, permitting the traversal to occur. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which categorizes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal. The attack vector leverages the application's failure to properly canonicalize or validate file paths before processing user requests, creating an exploitable condition where arbitrary file access becomes possible through crafted requests.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to organizations using affected versions of Tattyan HP TOWN. Remote attackers could potentially access critical system files, configuration databases, user credentials, or other sensitive information stored on the server. The impact extends beyond simple information disclosure, as attackers might gain insights into system architecture, application logic, or database structures that could facilitate further exploitation. This vulnerability particularly affects web applications that handle file operations and user requests, making it a serious concern for any organization relying on this software for business operations or data management.
The mitigation strategy for CVE-2013-6000 requires immediate deployment of the vendor-provided patch or upgrade to version 5_10_1 and subsequent releases. Organizations should also implement additional defensive measures including input validation at multiple layers, proper path canonicalization, and restricting file access permissions. Network segmentation and web application firewalls can provide additional protection by monitoring and filtering suspicious requests containing directory traversal sequences. Security teams should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify other potential path traversal vulnerabilities within their application portfolios and ensure that all file handling operations implement proper validation mechanisms. The remediation process should also include monitoring for exploitation attempts and maintaining updated threat intelligence to detect similar vulnerabilities in other software components that might present analogous security risks.