CVE-2015-3271 in Tika
Summary
by MITRE
Apache Tika server (aka tika-server) in Apache Tika 1.9 might allow remote attackers to read arbitrary files via the HTTP fileUrl header.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/09/2019
Apache Tika server version 1.9 contains a critical file inclusion vulnerability that enables remote attackers to access arbitrary files on the server through the HTTP fileUrl header parameter. This vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and improper handling of file paths within the server's file processing functionality. The flaw allows malicious actors to specify arbitrary file paths in the fileUrl header, potentially leading to unauthorized access to sensitive system files, configuration data, or other protected resources stored on the server filesystem. The vulnerability exists because the server fails to properly sanitize or restrict file path inputs, permitting traversal attacks and direct file access without proper authorization checks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the server's HTTP endpoint processing where the fileUrl header is directly used to locate and process files without adequate security controls. When an attacker submits a malicious fileUrl parameter containing relative or absolute paths, the server attempts to access and process these files as if they were legitimate input. This behavior creates a path traversal condition that can be exploited to access files outside the intended processing scope. The 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. Such vulnerabilities are particularly dangerous in server environments where sensitive data may be accessible through default installation paths or misconfigured file permissions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized file access to potentially compromise entire server environments. Attackers can leverage this flaw to extract configuration files that may contain database credentials, API keys, or other sensitive information. The vulnerability also enables attackers to access log files, temporary files, or other system resources that could reveal additional attack vectors or system information. In a broader security context, this vulnerability represents a significant risk to organizations relying on Apache Tika for document processing, as it can lead to data exfiltration, system compromise, or regulatory compliance violations. The attack surface is particularly concerning because it allows for remote exploitation without requiring authentication, making it accessible to any attacker with network access to the vulnerable server.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including upgrading to Apache Tika version 1.10 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address this vulnerability. Additional protective measures include implementing network segmentation to restrict access to the Tika server, configuring firewall rules to limit exposure, and deploying web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious fileUrl header patterns. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of input validation and proper access controls in server applications, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1074.001 for data staging through local data staging. Security teams should also monitor for suspicious file access patterns and implement comprehensive logging to detect potential exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in other server applications and ensure that proper security controls are maintained throughout the system infrastructure.