CVE-2014-5370 in New Atlanta BlueDragon
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in the CFChart servlet (com.naryx.tagfusion.cfm.cfchartServlet) in New Atlanta BlueDragon before 7.1.1.18527 allows remote attackers to read or possibly delete arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the QUERY_STRING to cfchart.cfchart.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/09/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-5370 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the CFChart servlet component of New Atlanta BlueDragon application server versions prior to 7.1.1.18527. This weakness resides in the com.naryx.tagfusion.cfm.cfchartServlet class which processes chart generation requests through the cfchart.cfchart endpoint. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization of the QUERY_STRING parameter, specifically allowing attackers to manipulate file paths through the use of .. (dot dot) sequences that traverse parent directories. The flaw enables malicious actors to access files outside the intended directory structure, potentially compromising sensitive data and system integrity.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a malicious request containing directory traversal sequences within the QUERY_STRING parameter of the cfchart.cfchart endpoint. This allows the servlet to interpret the crafted path and access arbitrary files on the server filesystem. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-22 as "Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal')", which is a well-documented weakness in web applications that fail to properly validate user-supplied input before using it in file system operations. The attack vector specifically targets the application server's file handling mechanisms, where user input directly influences file access operations without proper sanitization or access control enforcement.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure to potentially enable complete system compromise. Remote attackers can leverage this flaw to read sensitive configuration files, application source code, database credentials, and other confidential data stored on the server. The possibility of file deletion adds an additional layer of threat, as attackers could potentially corrupt or destroy critical system files, application components, or user data. This vulnerability directly maps to several ATT&CK techniques including T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and T1566 (Phishing with Malicious Attachments) where attackers might use the information disclosure to further their attack objectives. The vulnerability affects organizations running BlueDragon versions before 7.1.1.18527, potentially exposing web applications to unauthorized access and data breaches.
Organizations should immediately implement multiple layers of defense to mitigate this vulnerability. The primary mitigation involves upgrading the BlueDragon application server to version 7.1.1.18527 or later, which includes proper input validation and path sanitization mechanisms. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and restricting file system access permissions for the application server can limit the damage from successful exploitation attempts. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems should be configured to monitor and block requests containing directory traversal sequences. Input validation should be enforced at multiple layers including application-level filtering of QUERY_STRING parameters, implementation of strict file access controls, and regular security auditing of file system permissions. The vulnerability highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and proper input validation as outlined in OWASP Top 10 and NIST cybersecurity guidelines, particularly emphasizing the need for proper sanitization of user inputs before any file system operations occur.