CVE-2015-1199 in ppmd
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in ppmd 10.1-5.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/10/2019
The CVE-2015-1199 vulnerability represents a directory traversal flaw discovered in the ppmd 10.1-5 software component, which falls under the broader category of path traversal vulnerabilities classified as CWE-22. This vulnerability allows attackers to access files and directories outside the intended scope by manipulating input parameters that control file paths. The ppmd software, typically used for data compression and archiving operations, was found to improperly validate user-supplied input when processing file paths, creating opportunities for malicious actors to navigate the file system beyond the designated boundaries.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the ppmd application's file handling mechanisms. When users provide file paths or archive names, the software fails to adequately sanitize these inputs, allowing special characters such as "../" sequences that can be exploited to traverse directories. This flaw operates at the application layer and can be exploited through various attack vectors including web interfaces, command-line operations, or API endpoints that process user-provided file paths. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it can potentially allow attackers to read sensitive system files, access restricted directories, or even execute arbitrary code if combined with other exploitation techniques.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-1199 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can enable attackers to gain unauthorized access to critical system resources and sensitive data. An attacker could potentially leverage this vulnerability to access configuration files, user credentials, system logs, or other confidential information stored on the target system. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in environments where ppmd is used for processing untrusted data or where the application runs with elevated privileges. This weakness aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and can facilitate further exploitation through techniques such as T1059 (Command and Scripting Interpreter) or T1566 (Phishing).
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing robust input validation and sanitization measures within the ppmd application. Organizations should ensure that all user-provided input is properly validated and that special characters are either filtered or properly escaped before being processed. The implementation of a whitelist-based approach for file path validation, where only predetermined safe paths are allowed, provides the most effective protection against directory traversal attacks. Additionally, the principle of least privilege should be enforced by running the ppmd application with minimal required permissions and by implementing proper access controls and file system permissions. Regular security updates and patches should be applied promptly, and input validation should be strengthened to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being introduced in future versions. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts targeting this specific vulnerability pattern.
The vulnerability demonstrates how seemingly simple input validation flaws can create significant security risks in software applications. It highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and adhering to established security frameworks such as those outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines. This particular vulnerability serves as a reminder that even specialized software tools like compression utilities require rigorous security testing and validation to prevent exploitation through common attack patterns such as directory traversal. The weakness also underscores the need for comprehensive security training for developers and the importance of integrating security considerations throughout the software development lifecycle to prevent such vulnerabilities from being introduced in the first place.