CVE-2013-7448 in didiwiki
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in wiki.c in didiwiki allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via the page parameter to api/page/get.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/22/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-7448 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the didiwiki web application's wiki.c component. This security weakness specifically affects the api/page/get endpoint which processes the page parameter, creating an opportunity for remote attackers to access unauthorized files on the server filesystem. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly restrict user-supplied data from traversing directory structures beyond intended boundaries.
This directory traversal vulnerability maps directly to CWE-22, which classifies improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal. The flaw allows attackers to manipulate the page parameter to include directory traversal sequences such as ../ or ..\ that bypass normal access controls. When the application processes these malicious inputs without proper validation, it executes file operations that can retrieve sensitive information from arbitrary locations on the filesystem, potentially exposing configuration files, source code, or other confidential data.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can enable attackers to gain unauthorized access to critical system resources. Remote exploitation requires no authentication and can be executed through standard web browser requests, making it particularly dangerous for web applications that handle sensitive data. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to access database credentials, application configuration files, user data, and potentially escalate privileges to execute arbitrary code on the affected system. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality and integrity aspects of the CIA triad, as unauthorized file access compromises both data confidentiality and system integrity.
Security professionals should implement multiple layers of defense to mitigate this vulnerability. Input validation and sanitization must be strengthened to reject or encode potentially malicious directory traversal sequences before processing user input. The application should enforce strict file access controls and implement proper path normalization techniques to prevent traversal attacks. Additionally, the principle of least privilege should be applied to limit the web application's file system access to only necessary directories. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious directory traversal patterns. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability falls under the T1083 technique for discovering files and directories, and T1566 for initial access through web applications. Regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar path traversal vulnerabilities in other components of the application stack. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation and secure coding practices, particularly when handling user-supplied data in web applications that interact with file systems.