CVE-2016-10105 in Piwigo
Summary
by MITRE
admin/plugin.php in Piwigo through 2.8.3 doesn't validate the sections variable while using it to include files. This can cause information disclosure and code execution if it contains a .. sequence.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/27/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-10105 affects Piwigo version 2.8.3 and earlier, specifically within the admin/plugin.php component. This represents a critical security flaw that stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the application's file inclusion process. The vulnerability occurs when the application fails to properly sanitize the sections variable before using it in file inclusion operations, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by malicious actors to manipulate the application's behavior.
The technical flaw manifests as a path traversal vulnerability that allows attackers to manipulate the sections parameter to include arbitrary files from the server's file system. When the sections variable contains directory traversal sequences such as .., the application processes these paths without proper validation, potentially enabling attackers to access sensitive files, configuration data, or system resources that should remain protected. This 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 operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure to encompass potential code execution capabilities. Attackers who successfully exploit this weakness can potentially read sensitive system files, access database credentials, or even execute arbitrary code on the affected server. This poses significant risks to web application security, as it can lead to complete system compromise and unauthorized access to user data stored within the Piwigo gallery system. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it affects the administrative interface, which typically has elevated privileges and access to critical system resources.
Security professionals should consider this vulnerability in the context of the ATT&CK framework, specifically under the techniques related to privilege escalation and defense evasion. The vulnerability aligns with T1059 for command and scripting interpreter and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation. Organizations using affected versions of Piwigo should immediately implement mitigations including input validation, proper parameter sanitization, and restricting file inclusion capabilities. The recommended approach involves implementing strict validation of all user-supplied input parameters, particularly those used in file operations, and ensuring that the application employs secure coding practices that prevent path traversal attacks through proper sanitization of file paths and implementation of whitelist validation mechanisms.
The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation in web applications and highlights how seemingly simple flaws in parameter handling can lead to severe security consequences. Organizations should conduct comprehensive security assessments of their web applications to identify similar path traversal vulnerabilities and ensure that all file inclusion operations properly validate and sanitize user input. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and least privilege principles for administrative functions can significantly reduce the potential impact of such vulnerabilities when they do occur.