CVE-2016-1183 in TERASOLUNA Server Framework
Summary
by MITRE
NTT Data TERASOLUNA Server Framework for Java(WEB) 2.0.0.1 through 2.0.6.1, as used in Fujitsu Interstage Business Application Server and other products, allows remote attackers to bypass a file-extension protection mechanism, and consequently read arbitrary files, via a crafted pathname.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/30/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-1183 represents a critical security flaw in the NTT Data TERASOLUNA Server Framework for Java WEB component version 2.0.0.1 through 2.0.6.1. This framework is widely utilized in enterprise environments, particularly within Fujitsu Interstage Business Application Server and similar products, making the impact of this vulnerability significant across multiple organizational systems. The vulnerability stems from an insufficient file-extension protection mechanism that fails to properly validate file paths, creating a path traversal condition that adversaries can exploit. This weakness allows remote attackers to bypass intended security controls and access files that should remain protected, potentially leading to unauthorized data access and system compromise.
The technical flaw manifests as a failure in the framework's input validation mechanisms for file paths. When processing user-supplied pathname data, the system does not adequately sanitize or validate the input to prevent directory traversal sequences such as .. or \. This allows attackers to craft malicious requests that manipulate the file system navigation logic, enabling access to arbitrary files on the server. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and specifically targets the file access controls implemented within the framework's web components. According to CWE standards, this vulnerability maps to CWE-22 Path Traversal, which is classified as a high-severity weakness due to its potential for unauthorized information disclosure. The flaw essentially creates a backdoor through which attackers can bypass normal access controls and retrieve sensitive files from the server's file system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with the capability to access sensitive configuration files, application source code, database credentials, and other potentially compromising information. Organizations using affected versions of the framework face significant risk of data breaches, system compromise, and potential regulatory violations. The remote nature of the attack means that adversaries can exploit this vulnerability from outside the network perimeter without requiring prior access to the system. From an attack framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083 File and Directory Discovery, as it enables attackers to enumerate and access files that would normally be protected. The impact is particularly severe in enterprise environments where the framework is used to build mission-critical applications, as successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise and unauthorized access to business-critical data.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-1183 should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems with the vendor-provided security updates. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation and sanitization measures at all application layers, particularly focusing on file path handling and user input processing. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be configured to limit access to vulnerable components, while application-level security controls such as web application firewalls should be deployed to monitor and filter malicious requests. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities within the application stack. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and privilege separation mechanisms can help limit the potential damage from successful exploitation attempts. Organizations should also establish robust monitoring procedures to detect anomalous file access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and access control implementation, as outlined in security standards such as the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity frameworks.