CVE-2014-10402 in DBI Module
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered in the DBI module through 1.643 for Perl. DBD::File drivers can open files from folders other than those specifically passed via the f_dir attribute in the data source name (DSN). NOTE: this issue exists because of an incomplete fix for CVE-2014-10401.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/09/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-10402 represents a significant security flaw in the DBI module version 1.643 and earlier for Perl, specifically affecting DBD::File drivers. This issue stems from an incomplete remediation of a previous vulnerability CVE-2014-10401, creating a persistent security weakness that allows unauthorized file access. The fundamental problem lies in how the DBD::File drivers handle file system access when processing data source names, particularly in relation to directory restrictions. When a DSN is provided to these drivers, the f_dir attribute should theoretically constrain file access to only the specified directory path, yet this restriction proves inadequate due to flawed path resolution mechanisms.
The technical flaw manifests through improper handling of relative paths and directory traversal scenarios within the DBD::File driver implementation. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by crafting malicious DSN strings that bypass the intended directory restrictions through techniques involving symbolic links, relative path references, or other path manipulation methods. The vulnerability operates at the intersection of improper input validation and inadequate access control mechanisms, allowing unauthorized file system access beyond the intended scope. This behavior violates core security principles of least privilege and path validation, enabling potential information disclosure, data corruption, or system compromise through unauthorized file access.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends across various attack scenarios including information disclosure, where sensitive files from unintended directories may be accessed and read by unauthorized users. The flaw particularly affects systems where DBI modules are used for database connectivity with file-based drivers, potentially enabling attackers to access system configuration files, user data, or other sensitive information stored outside of explicitly permitted directories. The vulnerability's persistence through incomplete fixes creates ongoing risk for systems that have not been properly updated, as the underlying path handling logic remains flawed. Organizations using Perl applications with DBD::File drivers face potential exposure to privilege escalation attacks, data leakage, and unauthorized system access, especially in environments where multiple users or applications share the same system resources.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-10402 require immediate patching of the DBI module to version 1.644 or later, which contains the complete fix for the path traversal issue. System administrators should also implement additional protective measures including restricting file system permissions for database connection directories, implementing proper input validation for all DSN parameters, and monitoring for unauthorized file access patterns. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-22 (Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory) and CWE-73 (External Control of File Name or Path) categories, and represents a clear violation of the principle of least privilege. Organizations should conduct comprehensive audits of all Perl applications using DBI modules, particularly those with file-based database drivers, to identify and remediate similar path traversal vulnerabilities that may exist in other components of their software stack. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of complete security fixes and proper validation of input parameters in preventing unauthorized access to system resources.