CVE-2015-1589 in Archmage
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in arCHMage 0.2.4 allows remote attackers to write to arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in a CHM file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/18/2019
The directory traversal vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-1589 affects arCHMage version 0.2.4, a tool designed for handling CHM (Compiled HTML Help) files. This vulnerability represents a critical security flaw that enables remote attackers to manipulate file system operations through maliciously crafted CHM files. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and improper handling of path traversal sequences within the software's file processing logic. When a CHM file containing directory traversal sequences is processed, the application fails to adequately sanitize the file paths, allowing attackers to specify arbitrary file locations for writing operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability 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 flaw specifically manifests when the arCHMage application processes CHM files that contain .. (dot dot) sequences in their internal file paths. These sequences, when improperly handled, can cause the application to write files outside of intended directories, potentially overwriting critical system files or creating malicious files in sensitive locations. The vulnerability operates at the file system level, leveraging the inherent capability of file path resolution to navigate parent directories through directory traversal sequences.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-1589 extends beyond simple file manipulation, as it provides attackers with a potential pathway for arbitrary code execution and system compromise. Remote attackers can exploit this vulnerability to write malicious files to system directories, potentially leading to privilege escalation or persistent backdoor installation. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it can be triggered through remote file processing without requiring user interaction, making it a significant threat in automated attack scenarios. This weakness can be leveraged in conjunction with other attack vectors to establish a foothold within target systems, as it directly violates the principle of least privilege and allows unauthorized file system modifications.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both the immediate security flaw and broader system protection measures. Organizations should immediately update to arCHMage versions that have patched this directory traversal vulnerability, as the original version 0.2.4 lacks proper input validation mechanisms. System administrators should implement strict file processing policies that validate and sanitize all external file inputs, particularly those that may contain path traversal sequences. The implementation of proper access controls and file system permissions can help limit the damage from successful exploitation attempts. Additionally, network segmentation and monitoring solutions should be deployed to detect and prevent unauthorized file system modifications. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of input validation and proper path handling in security-critical applications, as outlined in the ATT&CK framework's techniques for privilege escalation and persistence through file system manipulation.