CVE-2015-6914 in SiteFactory
Summary
by MITRE
Absolute path traversal vulnerability in SiteFactory CMS 5.5.9 allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a full pathname in the file parameter to assets/download.aspx.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/15/2022
The CVE-2015-6914 vulnerability represents a critical absolute path traversal flaw within SiteFactory CMS version 5.5.9 that fundamentally compromises the application's file access controls. This vulnerability exists in the assets/download.aspx component where the application fails to properly validate or sanitize user-supplied input parameters, specifically the file parameter that accepts full pathnames. The flaw enables remote attackers to bypass normal access restrictions and retrieve arbitrary files from the underlying file system, potentially exposing sensitive data, configuration files, source code, or system binaries that should remain protected within the application's secure boundaries. The vulnerability's classification 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 technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker submits a malicious file parameter containing an absolute path that points to files outside the intended web root directory. The SiteFactory CMS application processes this input without adequate validation, allowing the system to resolve and return the requested files to the attacker. This type of attack can be particularly devastating because it enables access to files that may contain database credentials, application configuration settings, user information, or even system-level files that could provide additional attack vectors. The vulnerability demonstrates a fundamental lack of input sanitization and proper access control mechanisms within the application's file handling routines.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-6914 extends far beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with the capability to escalate their attacks through multiple stages. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can potentially gain access to sensitive system files, application source code, database connection strings, or administrative credentials stored in configuration files. This information can then be used to establish persistent access, escalate privileges, or launch further attacks against the internal network infrastructure. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers do not require local system access or physical presence, making it particularly dangerous in environments where the CMS is publicly accessible. This type of vulnerability is categorized under the attack technique T1083 in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, which covers discovery of file and directory permissions on compromised systems.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing robust input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the SiteFactory CMS application. Organizations should immediately apply the vendor-provided patches or updates that address the path traversal flaw in the assets/download.aspx component. Additionally, implementing proper access control lists and ensuring that the application runs with minimal necessary privileges can significantly reduce the impact of such vulnerabilities. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be configured to restrict access to sensitive application components, while web application firewalls can be deployed to detect and block malicious path traversal attempts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of input validation and the principle of least privilege in web application security, aligning with security best practices outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and other industry standards that emphasize proper parameter validation and secure coding practices to prevent such fundamental access control bypasses.