CVE-2014-2279 in SeedDMS
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple directory traversal vulnerabilities in SeedDMS (formerly LetoDMS and MyDMS) before 4.3.4 allow (1) remote authenticated users with access to the LogManagement functionality to read arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the logname parameter to out/out.LogManagement.php or (2) remote attackers to write to arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the fileId parameter to op/op.AddFile2.php. NOTE: vector 2 can be leveraged to execute arbitrary code by using CVE-2014-2278.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/02/2024
The CVE-2014-2279 vulnerability represents a critical directory traversal flaw in SeedDMS, a document management system that was previously known as LetoDMS and MyDMS. This vulnerability affects versions prior to 4.3.4 and demonstrates the dangerous consequences of inadequate input validation in web applications. The flaw manifests in two distinct attack vectors that exploit the system's failure to properly sanitize user-supplied parameters, creating pathways for both information disclosure and arbitrary file operations. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it can be exploited by both authenticated users with specific access rights and unauthenticated attackers, significantly expanding the potential attack surface.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's improper handling of directory traversal sequences in file path resolution. In the first vector, authenticated users with access to LogManagement functionality can manipulate the logname parameter in the out/out.LogManagement.php script by inserting .. (dot dot) sequences to navigate outside the intended directory boundaries. This allows attackers to read arbitrary files from the server's file system, potentially exposing sensitive configuration files, user credentials, or other confidential data. The second vector operates through the fileId parameter in op/op.AddFile2.php, where attackers can use the same .. (dot dot) traversal technique to write files to arbitrary locations on the server. This capability can be leveraged for code execution when combined with CVE-2014-2278, which allows for arbitrary code execution through file upload vulnerabilities. The underlying flaw resides in the application's failure to properly validate and sanitize user inputs before using them in file system operations, creating a classic path traversal vulnerability pattern that aligns with CWE-22 directory traversal weaknesses.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-2279 extends beyond simple data theft, as it can enable complete system compromise when exploited with complementary vulnerabilities. For authenticated users, the ability to read arbitrary files could expose database connection strings, application configuration files, or user authentication tokens that could be used for further attacks. The write capability in the second vector opens the door to uploading malicious files that can be executed on the server, potentially leading to full system compromise. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent backdoors, exfiltrate large amounts of data, or disrupt business operations through file corruption. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal privileges for the first vector and no authentication for the second, making it particularly dangerous in environments where multiple users have access to the system. This vulnerability directly maps to several ATT&CK tactics including privilege escalation, defense evasion, and credential access, as it can be used to bypass access controls and gain unauthorized access to system resources.
Organizations affected by CVE-2014-2279 should prioritize immediate remediation through patching to version 4.3.4 or later, as this vulnerability represents a critical security risk. The mitigation strategy should include comprehensive input validation and sanitization of all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in file system operations. Implementing proper path validation and ensuring that all file operations occur within designated directories can prevent directory traversal attacks. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious path traversal attempts, though this represents a secondary defense measure. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices and input validation, particularly in applications handling file operations. Organizations should also conduct regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications and ensure that all third-party software components are kept up to date with the latest security patches. The combination of CVE-2014-2278 with CVE-2014-2279 demonstrates the critical importance of addressing vulnerabilities in the context of other known exploits, as single vulnerabilities can often be chained together to create more severe attack scenarios.