CVE-2014-2069 in Eshtery
Summary
by MITRE
Absolute path traversal vulnerability in Eshtery CMS allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a full pathname in the file parameter to FileManager.aspx.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/03/2024
The CVE-2014-2069 vulnerability represents a critical absolute path traversal flaw within the Eshtery Content Management System that exposes organizations to significant remote exploitation risks. This vulnerability resides in the FileManager.aspx component of the CMS, where improper input validation allows attackers to manipulate file parameters and gain unauthorized access to arbitrary files on the underlying filesystem. The flaw specifically manifests when the application fails to properly sanitize user-supplied input passed through the file parameter, enabling malicious actors to construct absolute pathnames that bypass normal file access controls and retrieve sensitive information from the server.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which categorizes path traversal attacks as a fundamental weakness in input validation and access control mechanisms. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious requests that include absolute file paths, potentially accessing system files, configuration files, database credentials, or application source code. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be leveraged without authentication, making it particularly dangerous as it allows remote attackers to perform reconnaissance and potentially escalate their access to compromise the entire system. The flaw demonstrates poor input sanitization practices where the application directly incorporates user-provided file paths into file system operations without adequate validation or normalization.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-2069 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can enable attackers to extract sensitive data that may include database connection strings, application configuration files, or even administrative credentials stored in plaintext. This vulnerability can facilitate further attacks within the network infrastructure, as compromised systems often contain access to other internal resources. Organizations running affected Eshtery CMS versions face potential data breaches, regulatory compliance violations, and reputational damage when this vulnerability is exploited. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires minimal privileges and can be automated, making it attractive to both opportunistic attackers and organized threat groups.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements. Organizations should implement strict input validation and sanitization for all file path parameters, ensuring that user-supplied input undergoes proper normalization and that absolute paths are rejected or properly resolved within safe directories. The implementation of a whitelist-based approach for file access, combined with proper access controls and least privilege principles, can significantly reduce the attack surface. Additionally, regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the application stack. The remediation process should include updating the Eshtery CMS to the latest version where this vulnerability has been patched, and implementing web application firewalls to monitor and block suspicious file access patterns. Organizations should also consider implementing file access logging and monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts and maintain audit trails for forensic analysis.