CVE-2016-0709 in JetSpeed
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in the Import/Export function in the Portal Site Manager in Apache Jetspeed before 2.3.1 allows remote authenticated administrators to write to arbitrary files, and consequently execute arbitrary code, via a .. (dot dot) in a ZIP archive entry, as demonstrated by "../../webapps/x.jsp."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/14/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-0709 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within Apache Jetspeed's Portal Site Manager component. This issue affects versions prior to 2.3.1 and specifically targets the Import/Export functionality that administrators use to manage portal content. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation when processing ZIP archive entries, creating a pathway for malicious actors to manipulate file paths during extraction operations.
The technical implementation of this flaw occurs within the file handling mechanisms of the Portal Site Manager where ZIP archive entries are processed without proper sanitization of path components. When a ZIP file containing entries with directory traversal sequences such as "../" is imported, the system fails to validate these path components against a whitelist or sanitize them properly. This allows authenticated administrators with sufficient privileges to craft malicious ZIP archives that can write files to arbitrary locations on the server filesystem, including critical system directories.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted. An authenticated administrator who can exploit this vulnerability gains the ability to write arbitrary files to the server, potentially including web shell scripts or other malicious payloads. The demonstration case showing "../../webapps/x.jsp" illustrates how an attacker could place a malicious JSP file directly into the web application directory, enabling remote code execution. This capability transforms a legitimate administrative function into a weapon for system compromise, potentially allowing full control over the affected web application and underlying server infrastructure.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-22 (Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory) and represents a classic path traversal attack vector. The attack pattern follows the MITRE ATT&CK framework's technique T1059.007 (Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript) when malicious code is executed through web shells, and T1566 (Phishing for Information) when initial access is gained through compromised administrative credentials. The vulnerability also maps to ATT&CK technique T1078 (Valid Accounts) as it requires authenticated administrative access to exploit, though the impact extends far beyond simple privilege escalation.
Organizations should immediately implement the patch released in Apache Jetspeed version 2.3.1 which addresses the input validation issues in the Import/Export functionality. Additional mitigations include restricting administrative access to only trusted users, implementing network segmentation to limit access to the portal manager, and monitoring for suspicious file upload activities. Security teams should also consider implementing file integrity monitoring solutions to detect unauthorized file modifications in critical web application directories. The vulnerability underscores the importance of proper input validation and the principle of least privilege in web application security, particularly for administrative functions that handle file operations.