CVE-2016-10039 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 dir parameter, related to browser/directory/getfiles.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/12/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-10039 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the MODX Revolution content management system prior to version 2.5.2-pl. This weakness exists in the /connectors/index.php file and specifically affects the browser/directory/getfiles functionality. The vulnerability enables remote attackers to manipulate file system access through a specially crafted dir parameter, creating a pathway for unauthorized local file inclusion and manipulation. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization of user-supplied directory paths, allowing malicious actors to traverse the file system hierarchy beyond intended boundaries.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability follows a classic path traversal pattern where the application fails to properly validate or sanitize the dir parameter before using it in file system operations. Attackers can construct malicious directory paths using sequences such as ../ or ..\ to navigate upward in the directory structure, potentially accessing sensitive files including configuration files, database credentials, or system files that should remain protected. This vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited without requiring authentication, making it particularly dangerous in environments where MODX is exposed to untrusted networks. The flaw directly maps to CWE-22, which defines improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file access, as successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise through local file inclusion attacks. An attacker could potentially access administrative configuration files, user credentials, or other sensitive data stored on the server. The vulnerability also enables potential code execution scenarios if the application processes the included files in a manner that allows for script interpretation. In a typical exploitation scenario, an attacker would craft a request to the vulnerable endpoint with a malicious dir parameter, potentially gaining access to critical system resources that should remain isolated from external access. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that MODX is a widely used content management system with installations across various industries including healthcare, finance, and government sectors.
Security practitioners should implement immediate mitigations including upgrading to MODX Revolution 2.5.2-pl or later versions where this vulnerability has been patched. Additional protective measures include implementing proper input validation at the application level, restricting file system permissions for the web application, and deploying web application firewalls to filter suspicious directory traversal patterns. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083, which covers directory traversal, and represents a common vector for initial compromise in many security breach scenarios. Organizations should also conduct thorough security assessments of their MODX installations to identify any potential custom modifications that might introduce similar vulnerabilities. Regular security monitoring and log analysis should be implemented to detect attempts to exploit this or similar directory traversal vulnerabilities. The incident highlights the importance of proper input validation and the principle of least privilege in application security design, ensuring that applications never trust user input and always validate all external data before processing.