CVE-2014-6308 in OSClass
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in OSClass before 3.4.2 allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the file parameter in a render action to oc-admin/index.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/11/2025
The CVE-2014-6308 vulnerability represents a critical directory traversal flaw in OSClass versions prior to 3.4.2, exposing web applications to remote code execution and data exfiltration risks. This vulnerability specifically affects the administrative interface of OSClass, a popular open-source classified ads platform that enables users to create and manage online directories for various business types. The flaw exists within the oc-admin/index.php script where the application fails to properly validate user input passed through the file parameter during render actions. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious requests containing directory traversal sequences such as .. (dot dot) to navigate outside the intended directory structure and access arbitrary files on the server filesystem. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it targets the administrative backend, potentially allowing unauthorized users to gain access to sensitive configuration files, database credentials, and other critical system resources that should remain protected from public access.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the OSClass application's file handling mechanism. When the application processes the file parameter in the render action, it directly incorporates user-supplied input into file system operations without proper path normalization or validation checks. This allows attackers to manipulate the file path through directory traversal sequences, effectively bypassing access controls and potentially accessing files outside the designated web root or administrative directories. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and requires no special privileges to exploit, making it particularly dangerous for systems where the administrative interface is accessible to unauthenticated users. This flaw aligns with CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The vulnerability also maps to ATT&CK technique T1083, which involves discovering file and directory permissions on compromised systems, as attackers can use such traversal capabilities to map the filesystem and identify sensitive locations.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-6308 extends beyond simple information disclosure, potentially enabling complete system compromise when combined with other vulnerabilities or attack vectors. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could access configuration files containing database connection strings, API keys, and other sensitive credentials that would allow them to escalate privileges or gain unauthorized access to the underlying database. The exposure of administrative files might also reveal application source code, which could be used to identify additional vulnerabilities or attack surface areas. Furthermore, the ability to read arbitrary files could lead to the discovery of backup files, temporary files, or other system artifacts that may contain sensitive information or reveal system architecture details. Organizations using vulnerable versions of OSClass face significant risk of data breaches, system compromise, and potential regulatory violations if sensitive information is accessed or exfiltrated through this vulnerability. The impact is particularly severe for businesses that rely on OSClass for their online directory operations, as compromise of the administrative interface could result in complete control over the classified ads platform and its associated data.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-6308 primarily focus on immediate patching and input validation improvements. The most effective solution is upgrading to OSClass version 3.4.2 or later, which includes proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms that prevent directory traversal attacks. Organizations should also implement comprehensive input filtering at multiple levels including web application firewalls, server-side validation, and proper file access controls. Additional defensive measures include restricting access to the administrative interface through network segmentation, implementing strong authentication mechanisms, and regularly monitoring access logs for suspicious directory traversal attempts. Security professionals should also consider implementing principle of least privilege access controls, ensuring that administrative interfaces are not directly accessible from untrusted networks. The vulnerability highlights the importance of input validation practices and proper secure coding standards, particularly when handling user-supplied data in file system operations. Organizations should also conduct regular security assessments and penetration testing to identify similar vulnerabilities in their web applications and ensure that proper security controls are in place to prevent exploitation of path traversal flaws.