CVE-2016-10734 in ProjectSend
Summary
by MITRE
ProjectSend (formerly cFTP) r582 allows Insecure Direct Object Reference via includes/actions.log.export.php.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/07/2020
ProjectSend r582 contains a critical insecure direct object reference vulnerability in the includes/actions.log.export.php component that allows unauthorized users to access sensitive system logs and potentially extract confidential information. This vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and access control mechanisms within the application's logging export functionality. The flaw enables attackers to manipulate the log export parameters and gain access to system logs that should be restricted to authorized administrative personnel only. The insecure direct object reference condition occurs when the application directly uses user-supplied input to construct file paths or object references without proper authorization checks, allowing malicious actors to traverse the file system and access files they should not be permitted to view. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-284 which describes improper access control in software systems, and represents a significant security weakness that violates fundamental principles of least privilege and access control. The impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple log access as it can provide attackers with insights into system operations, user activities, and potentially reveal sensitive information about the application's internal structure and configuration. Attackers can exploit this weakness to gather intelligence for further attacks, including identifying system vulnerabilities, mapping user access patterns, and discovering potential entry points for privilege escalation. The vulnerability exists because the application fails to implement proper authentication and authorization checks before processing log export requests, allowing any authenticated user or even unauthenticated attacker to manipulate the export functionality and access restricted log files. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability aligns with T1213 - Data from Information Repositories and T1083 - File and Directory Discovery techniques, as it enables unauthorized access to system information repositories and facilitates reconnaissance activities. The security implications are particularly severe given that system logs often contain sensitive data including user credentials, system configurations, error messages, and operational details that could be leveraged for more sophisticated attacks. Organizations using ProjectSend r582 should immediately implement access control measures that validate user permissions before allowing log export operations, and ensure that all input parameters are properly sanitized and validated to prevent path traversal attacks. Additionally, regular security audits should be conducted to identify similar insecure direct object reference vulnerabilities across the application's codebase, and proper logging and monitoring should be implemented to detect unauthorized access attempts to sensitive system components. The remediation should include implementing proper authentication checks, input validation, and ensuring that all file operations are performed within controlled boundaries to prevent unauthorized access to system resources.
The vulnerability in ProjectSend r582 demonstrates how seemingly minor implementation flaws can create significant security risks when proper access control mechanisms are absent. The insecure direct object reference in includes/actions.log.export.php represents a failure to enforce proper authorization checks, allowing attackers to bypass normal access controls and access system logs that contain potentially sensitive operational information. This weakness creates an attack surface that can be exploited by both internal and external threat actors to gather intelligence about the system's configuration and user activities. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that system logs often contain detailed information about application behavior, error conditions, and user interactions that can be valuable for attackers planning more sophisticated attacks. From a security perspective, this represents a clear violation of the principle of least privilege, where users should only have access to resources necessary for their specific functions. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of proper input validation and parameter sanitization in preventing path traversal and unauthorized file access scenarios. Organizations should consider implementing additional security controls such as web application firewalls, access logging, and regular security assessments to detect and prevent exploitation of similar vulnerabilities. The remediation process should focus on implementing robust access control checks that verify user permissions before allowing log export operations, combined with proper input validation to prevent manipulation of file paths. Security professionals should also ensure that all system components follow secure coding practices and that proper authorization mechanisms are in place to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive system resources. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of access control implementation in web applications and the potential consequences of neglecting these fundamental security principles.