CVE-2014-1222 in Vtiger
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in kcfinder/browse.php in Vtiger CRM before 6.0.0 Security patch 1 allows remote authenticated users to read arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the file parameter in a download action. NOTE: it is likely that this issue is actually in the KCFinder third-party component, and it affects additional products besides Vtiger CRM.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/30/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-1222 represents a critical directory traversal flaw that existed within the kcfinder file browser component integrated into Vtiger CRM versions prior to 6.0.0 Security patch 1. This vulnerability specifically affects the browse.php script within the kcfinder module, which serves as a file management interface for users to browse, upload, and download files within the CRM system. The issue stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly restrict file access paths, allowing malicious actors to exploit the system's file handling capabilities through crafted requests.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when authenticated users submit malicious file parameters containing directory traversal sequences such as .. (dot dot) in the download action. This flaw enables attackers to navigate beyond the intended directory boundaries and access arbitrary files on the server filesystem. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires only authenticated access, meaning that users with legitimate credentials can leverage this weakness to gain unauthorized access to sensitive system files, configuration data, and potentially database credentials or other confidential information stored on the server. The issue is classified under CWE-22, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal vulnerabilities.
From an operational perspective, the impact of this vulnerability extends beyond just Vtiger CRM as indicated by the advisory's note about the KCFinder component affecting additional products. This suggests that the vulnerability exists at the third-party library level rather than being specific to Vtiger's implementation, making it a widespread concern across various content management systems and web applications that utilize KCFinder for file management. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it operates through legitimate system functions, making detection more difficult and potentially allowing attackers to remain undetected while accessing sensitive data. The vulnerability creates a persistent risk for organizations using affected versions, as it can be exploited to retrieve system configuration files, application source code, and other sensitive data that could lead to further compromise of the system.
Security professionals should consider this vulnerability in the context of the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly under the technique of privilege escalation and credential access, as it allows attackers to obtain information that could facilitate further attacks. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of third-party component security assessment and regular patch management processes. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including updating to Vtiger CRM version 6.0.0 Security patch 1 or later, and if that is not immediately possible, implementing input validation controls at the web application firewall level to block directory traversal sequences. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive security assessments of all third-party components and implement proper file access controls to prevent unauthorized file system access. The vulnerability also highlights the necessity of following secure coding practices and input validation techniques to prevent similar issues from occurring in future development cycles, emphasizing the need for regular security testing and code reviews to identify and remediate such weaknesses before they can be exploited by malicious actors.