CVE-2014-8327 in Fal Sftp
Summary
by MITRE
The fal_sftp extension before 0.2.6 for TYPO3 uses weak permissions for sFTP driver files and folders, which allows remote authenticated users to obtain sensitive information via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/29/2018
The fal_sftp extension for TYPO3 represents a critical security vulnerability that emerged in versions prior to 026, specifically addressing improper file system permission handling within the sftp driver component. This flaw resides in the extension's implementation of secure file transfer protocols where the system fails to properly enforce access controls on created files and directories. The vulnerability manifests through weak permission settings that inadvertently expose sensitive data to authenticated users who should not have access to such information.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from the extension's failure to implement proper umask operations and file permission enforcement during sftp file creation processes. When the sftp driver creates new files or directories, it does not properly restrict access permissions, allowing unauthorized users with valid credentials to potentially read or access sensitive information that should remain protected. This weakness operates at the filesystem level where the extension fails to properly isolate file access based on user authentication status and privilege levels.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risks for TYPO3 installations that rely on the fal_sftp extension for file management. Remote authenticated users who have legitimate access to the TYPO3 system can exploit this weakness to gain unauthorized access to sensitive data that might include configuration files, user credentials, system logs, or other confidential information stored within the sftp managed directories. The impact extends beyond simple information disclosure as it can potentially enable further exploitation through privilege escalation or lateral movement within the system.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-732: Incorrect Permission Assignment for Critical Resource which specifically addresses cases where critical system resources receive inadequate access controls. This weakness is particularly concerning in web application contexts where proper access control mechanisms should prevent unauthorized data access regardless of user authentication status. The ATT&CK framework would classify this under T1078: Valid Accounts and T1005: Data from Local System as attackers could leverage authenticated access to expand their information gathering capabilities.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate patching of the fal_sftp extension to version 0.2.6 or later where proper permission handling has been implemented. System administrators should also conduct comprehensive audits of existing sftp file permissions to identify any improperly configured files that may have been created prior to the patch deployment. Additional security measures include implementing proper monitoring of file access patterns and ensuring that all sftp managed directories are properly secured with restrictive permissions that prevent unauthorized access while maintaining legitimate user functionality. Organizations should also consider implementing automated vulnerability scanning tools that can detect similar permission-related issues across their TYPO3 installations.