CVE-2013-7300 in cantata
Summary
by MITRE
Absolute path traversal vulnerability in cantata before 1.2.2 allows local users to read arbitrary files via a full pathname in a request to the internal httpd server. NOTE: this vulnerability can be leveraged by remote attackers using CVE-2013-7301.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/20/2017
The CVE-2013-7300 vulnerability represents a critical absolute path traversal flaw in the cantata software version prior to 1.2.2, specifically affecting the internal httpd server component. This vulnerability enables local attackers to access arbitrary files on the system by exploiting a full pathname in their requests, fundamentally compromising the software's file access controls and potentially exposing sensitive data. The issue stems from inadequate input validation within the internal web server implementation, allowing malicious path specifications to bypass normal file system access restrictions.
This vulnerability operates as a direct path traversal attack where the internal httpd server fails to properly sanitize user-supplied path information in HTTP requests. When a request containing an absolute path is processed, the server does not adequately validate or canonicalize the path before attempting file operations, enabling attackers to navigate to arbitrary locations within the file system. The flaw essentially allows an attacker to bypass the intended file access boundaries and retrieve files that should remain protected or inaccessible to the web server process. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects the internal httpd server, which typically operates with elevated privileges and may have access to sensitive system files, configuration data, or user information.
The operational impact of CVE-2013-7300 extends significantly when combined with CVE-2013-7301, as the latter vulnerability allows remote exploitation of the path traversal issue. This combination transforms what might initially appear as a local privilege escalation vulnerability into a remotely exploitable attack vector that can be leveraged by attackers from outside the local network. The vulnerability can potentially expose system configuration files, user credentials, application source code, log files, and other sensitive data that may be accessible through the internal httpd server. Attackers could use this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to system resources, potentially leading to full system compromise or data exfiltration.
Security professionals should recognize this vulnerability as aligning with CWE-22, which specifically addresses path traversal flaws in software applications. The vulnerability demonstrates poor input validation practices and inadequate access control mechanisms within the internal web server implementation. From an attack perspective, this issue maps to multiple ATT&CK techniques including T1059 for command and script execution, T1005 for data from local system, and T1566 for phishing with malicious attachments or links. Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including updating to cantata version 1.2.2 or later, implementing proper input validation for all file path parameters, and restricting access to the internal httpd server. Additional protective measures should include network segmentation, implementing web application firewalls, and conducting thorough security audits of all internal web server components to identify similar vulnerabilities. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of proper path validation and access control implementation in server-side applications, particularly those handling user input through web interfaces.