CVE-2016-1610 in Filr
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in the email-template feature in Novell Filr before 1.2 Security Update 3 and 2.0 before Security Update 2 allows remote attackers to bypass intended access restrictions and write to arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in a blob name.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/18/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-1610 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the email-template functionality of Novell Filr software versions prior to specific security updates. This vulnerability specifically affects Novell Filr 1.2 before Security Update 3 and 2.0 before Security Update 2, creating a significant security risk for organizations relying on this document management platform. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize file path references when processing blob names within the email-template feature.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of blob names containing directory traversal sequences such as .. (dot dot) characters. When the system processes these malformed blob names, it fails to properly validate or sanitize the input before performing file operations, allowing attackers to craft malicious requests that can traverse the file system hierarchy. This weakness directly maps to CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal vulnerabilities. The vulnerability enables attackers to bypass intended access controls and potentially write to arbitrary files on the system, fundamentally undermining the security boundaries that should protect the application's file system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized file access, as it provides attackers with the capability to write to arbitrary files, potentially leading to complete system compromise. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to overwrite critical system files, inject malicious code into the application, or establish persistent backdoors within the system. The remote exploitation aspect means that attackers do not require local system access or credentials to exploit this vulnerability, making it particularly dangerous in networked environments where the application is exposed to external traffic. This vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which covers the use of scripting languages for execution, as attackers could potentially use this vulnerability to deploy malicious scripts or payloads.
Organizations utilizing Novell Filr software must prioritize immediate remediation through the application of the specified security updates, namely Security Update 3 for Novell Filr 1.2 and Security Update 2 for Novell Filr 2.0. Beyond patching, administrators should implement additional defensive measures including network segmentation to limit access to the Filr application, implementing robust input validation controls, and monitoring for suspicious file system access patterns. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input sanitization and access control enforcement in web applications, particularly those handling user-provided data through file system operations. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to help identify and block exploitation attempts targeting this specific vulnerability class.