CVE-2014-8084 in OSClass
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in oc-includes/osclass/controller/ajax.php in OSClass before 3.4.3 allows remote attackers to include and execute arbitrary local files via a .. (dot dot) in the ajaxfile parameter in a custom action.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/13/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-8084 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the OSClass content management system prior to version 3.4.3. This vulnerability exists in the ajax.php controller file located at oc-includes/osclass/controller/ajax.php, where improper input validation allows malicious actors to manipulate file inclusion paths through crafted requests. The vulnerability specifically affects the ajaxfile parameter within custom action handlers, creating a pathway for remote code execution through arbitrary local file inclusion attacks. This flaw enables attackers to traverse directory structures and access sensitive files that should remain protected within the application's file system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient sanitization of user-supplied input in the ajaxfile parameter, which is processed without proper validation or path normalization. When an attacker submits a request containing directory traversal sequences such as .. (dot dot) in the ajaxfile parameter, the application fails to properly validate these inputs, allowing the attacker to specify arbitrary local file paths. This weakness directly maps to CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited remotely without requiring authentication, making it particularly dangerous in web-facing environments where OSClass installations are deployed.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-8084 extends beyond simple file access, as it enables full remote code execution capabilities when combined with appropriate file inclusion techniques. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code on the target server, potentially leading to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, or service disruption. The vulnerability affects all versions of OSClass prior to 3.4.3, representing a significant security gap that could be exploited by threat actors to gain unauthorized access to web servers hosting OSClass installations. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.002, which covers "Phishing: Spearphishing Attachment" and related attack vectors that exploit application-level vulnerabilities to achieve initial access and privilege escalation within target environments.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of version updates to OSClass 3.4.3 or later, which includes proper input validation and sanitization measures for the ajaxfile parameter. Organizations should also implement proper input validation at the application level, ensuring all user-supplied parameters are normalized and validated against a strict whitelist of acceptable values. Additional protective measures include implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block directory traversal patterns, restricting file inclusion capabilities within the application, and conducting regular security audits of web applications to identify similar vulnerabilities. The fix implemented in OSClass 3.4.3 addresses the core issue by properly sanitizing input parameters and implementing proper path validation to prevent directory traversal attacks, aligning with industry best practices for preventing path traversal vulnerabilities as outlined in OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines.