CVE-2014-100033 in ArcticDesk
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in LicensePal ArcticDesk before 1.2.5 allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/03/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-100033 represents a directory traversal flaw within LicensePal ArcticDesk software version 1.2.4 and earlier. This security weakness stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize user-supplied data before processing file operations. The vulnerability allows remote attackers to exploit unspecified vectors to access arbitrary files on the affected system, potentially leading to unauthorized data disclosure and system compromise. Such directory traversal vulnerabilities typically occur when applications fail to properly validate or filter file path inputs, enabling attackers to manipulate file access requests through crafted input sequences.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with common directory traversal attack patterns where malicious actors can manipulate file path parameters to navigate beyond intended directories. Attackers may leverage special characters such as ../ or ..\ sequences to move up directory levels and access files that should remain restricted. This particular flaw affects the file handling mechanisms within ArcticDesk, suggesting that the software processes user input without adequate sanitization or validation, creating an exploitable path traversal condition. The unspecified nature of the attack vectors indicates that multiple entry points within the application could potentially be compromised, making the vulnerability particularly concerning for security assessments.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to organizations utilizing ArcticDesk software, as it could enable attackers to access sensitive configuration files, user data, application source code, or other confidential information stored on the server. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation does not require physical access to the system, making it particularly dangerous for web-based applications. The potential for data exfiltration, system reconnaissance, and further exploitation increases substantially when attackers can access arbitrary files, as they may discover additional vulnerabilities or sensitive information that could be leveraged for more extensive attacks. This vulnerability could facilitate information disclosure, potentially leading to compliance violations and reputational damage.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-100033 should focus on implementing proper input validation and sanitization measures within the ArcticDesk application. Organizations should immediately upgrade to version 1.2.5 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address this directory traversal vulnerability. Additionally, implementing proper path validation, using secure coding practices, and employing web application firewalls can provide additional layers of protection. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of following secure coding guidelines and adheres to principles outlined in CWE-22, which specifically addresses directory traversal vulnerabilities. From an attack framework perspective, this vulnerability would be categorized under the technique of privilege escalation and information gathering within the MITRE ATT&CK framework, potentially enabling further lateral movement within compromised environments. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be implemented to identify similar weaknesses in other applications and systems within the organization's infrastructure.