CVE-2016-10037 in Revolution
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal in /connectors/index.php in MODX Revolution before 2.5.2-pl allows remote attackers to perform local file inclusion/traversal/manipulation via a crafted id (aka dir) parameter, related to browser/directory/getlist.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/12/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-10037 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the MODX Revolution content management system prior to version 2.5.2-pl. This security weakness resides in the /connectors/index.php file and specifically affects the browser/directory/getlist functionality. The vulnerability enables remote attackers to manipulate file paths through a crafted id parameter, which is also referred to as the dir parameter in the affected component. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly restrict user-supplied directory paths, allowing malicious actors to navigate outside the intended directory boundaries and access arbitrary files on the server.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the manipulation of the directory traversal parameter to exploit improper path handling within the MODX connector component. Attackers can construct malicious URLs that include directory traversal sequences such as ../ or ..\ to move up directory levels and access files outside the designated web root or restricted directories. This flaw operates at the application level where user input is directly incorporated into file system operations without adequate sanitization or validation. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-22 as "Improper Limiting of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal')" which is a well-known weakness pattern that has been consistently exploited across various web applications and platforms. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it allows for local file inclusion, meaning that successful exploitation could potentially lead to arbitrary code execution or sensitive data exposure.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file access, as it can enable attackers to retrieve sensitive system files, configuration data, or even database credentials that are stored in accessible locations. Remote attackers can leverage this weakness to perform reconnaissance activities by examining system files, potentially identifying other vulnerabilities within the application or server environment. The implications are severe because MODX Revolution installations may contain administrative files, user databases, or other sensitive information that could be accessed through directory traversal. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and T1566 (Phishing) as attackers can use the information gained to craft more sophisticated attacks or gain deeper system access. The flaw can also facilitate further exploitation paths such as command execution or privilege escalation if the application runs with elevated privileges or if sensitive files containing credentials are accessible.
The remediation approach for CVE-2016-10037 requires immediate patching of MODX Revolution installations to version 2.5.2-pl or later, which includes proper input validation and sanitization for directory traversal parameters. Organizations should implement proper parameter validation that filters out or rejects directory traversal sequences such as ../ or ..\ from user input. Additional mitigations include restricting file system access permissions for the web application, implementing proper input sanitization routines, and deploying web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious traversal attempts. Security configurations should enforce strict path validation that ensures all file operations occur within designated directories and prevent access to system files or restricted locations. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation and proper access controls in web applications, as inadequate protection mechanisms can lead to complete system compromise. Organizations should also conduct regular security assessments and penetration testing to identify similar vulnerabilities in their web applications and ensure that all third-party components are kept up to date with the latest security patches.