CVE-2014-9452 in Security SENSE
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in VDG Security SENSE (formerly DIVA) 2.3.13 allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the default URI to images/.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/10/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-9452 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within VDG Security SENSE version 2.3.13, formerly known as DIVA. This security weakness stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize user-supplied URI parameters. The vulnerability specifically affects the image handling functionality of the system, where attackers can manipulate the default URI path to access files outside the intended directory structure. The flaw manifests when the application processes requests containing dot-dot sequences that should be properly filtered or rejected by the system's access controls.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows remote attackers to exploit the lack of proper path validation by crafting malicious URI requests that include directory traversal sequences. When the system processes these requests through the images/ endpoint, it fails to validate that the requested file paths remain within the designated image directory boundaries. This oversight enables attackers to navigate the file system hierarchy and access sensitive files that should remain restricted. The vulnerability falls under the common weakness enumeration CWE-22, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, also known as path traversal or directory traversal.
Operationally, this vulnerability poses significant risks to organizations utilizing VDG Security SENSE 2.3.13 as it provides unauthorized access to potentially sensitive system files, configuration data, and user information. Attackers could exploit this flaw to retrieve database credentials, system configuration files, application source code, or other confidential data stored on the server. The remote nature of this vulnerability means that attackers do not require physical access to the system or local network privileges to exploit it, making it particularly dangerous in environments where network exposure is unavoidable. The impact extends beyond simple information disclosure as attackers might gain insights into system architecture, potentially enabling further exploitation techniques.
Security practitioners should immediately implement mitigations including input validation and sanitization of all URI parameters, particularly those used in file access operations. The recommended approach involves implementing strict path validation that ensures all file access requests remain within predefined directories and rejects any input containing directory traversal sequences. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious URI patterns, as well as conducting comprehensive security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other system components. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under privilege escalation and defense evasion techniques, as it enables attackers to bypass normal access controls and potentially establish persistent access to sensitive system resources. Additionally, system administrators should ensure that all instances of VDG Security SENSE are updated to versions that have addressed this vulnerability, as the vendor has likely released patches to correct the input validation flaws that enable this attack vector.