CVE-2015-8309 in Music
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in Cherry Music before 0.36.0 allows remote authenticated users to read arbitrary files via the "value" parameter to "download."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/14/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-8309 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the Cherry Music media server software prior to version 0.36.0. This issue affects the download functionality of the application, specifically targeting the "value" parameter that processes user input for file retrieval operations. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the application's file handling routines, allowing malicious actors to manipulate the file path resolution process. The affected software operates as a web-based music streaming server that enables users to browse and download media files from a centralized repository, making this flaw particularly dangerous in environments where unauthorized access to system files could compromise sensitive data or system integrity.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when authenticated users submit crafted input through the download endpoint's "value" parameter, enabling them to traverse the directory structure beyond the intended media library boundaries. This allows attackers to access files that should remain restricted, potentially including configuration files, user credentials, system logs, or other sensitive data stored on the server. The flaw operates at the application level rather than at the network protocol level, making it particularly challenging to detect through traditional network monitoring approaches. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The attack vector requires authentication, meaning that only legitimate users with valid credentials can exploit this vulnerability, though this does not mitigate the potential damage since authenticated users may have elevated privileges within the system.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-8309 extends beyond simple unauthorized file access, as it can potentially lead to complete system compromise when combined with other vulnerabilities or attack techniques. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can gain access to sensitive system information that may reveal the underlying operating system, installed software versions, network configuration details, or user account information. This reconnaissance capability significantly increases the risk of subsequent attacks, as it provides attackers with valuable intelligence for further exploitation. The vulnerability also poses a risk to data confidentiality and integrity, as attackers could potentially read or modify configuration files that control access permissions, user management, or other critical system functions. Additionally, the exposure of system files could lead to information disclosure that violates compliance requirements for data protection regulations such as gdpr, hipaa, or pci dss standards.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of the vendor-provided security patch for Cherry Music version 0.36.0 and subsequent releases. Organizations should also implement additional defensive measures including input validation and sanitization at all application entry points, particularly for file-related operations. The implementation of proper access controls and the principle of least privilege should be enforced, ensuring that the application operates with minimal required permissions and that file access is properly restricted. Network segmentation and monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual file access patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Security professionals should also consider implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious parameter values that could indicate directory traversal attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and the need for security testing throughout the software development lifecycle, aligning with attack techniques documented in the mitre att&ck framework under the privilege escalation and credential access categories. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar issues in other applications within the organization's infrastructure.