CVE-2016-2164 in OpenMeetings
Summary
by MITRE
The (1) FileService.importFileByInternalUserId and (2) FileService.importFile SOAP API methods in Apache OpenMeetings before 3.1.1 improperly use the Java URL class without checking the specified protocol handler, which allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files by attempting to upload a file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/13/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-2164 resides within Apache OpenMeetings version 3.1.0 and earlier, specifically affecting the FileService.importFileByInternalUserId and FileService.importFile SOAP API methods. This flaw represents a critical security oversight that stems from improper handling of file upload operations through web services. The vulnerability manifests when the application processes file imports without adequately validating or sanitizing the input parameters that specify file locations, creating an avenue for malicious exploitation through protocol handler manipulation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the Java URL class being utilized inappropriately within the file import functionality. When attackers craft malicious file upload requests containing specially formatted URLs, they can leverage the default protocol handlers available in the Java runtime environment. This misconfiguration allows attackers to bypass normal file access controls and potentially read arbitrary files from the server's file system. The vulnerability specifically exploits the absence of proper protocol validation, enabling attackers to specify protocols such as file:// or other potentially dangerous handlers that can access local resources.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file reading capabilities, as it provides attackers with potential access to sensitive server files including configuration files, database credentials, application logs, and other system resources. This represents a severe privilege escalation vector that can lead to complete system compromise, especially when combined with other vulnerabilities or when the application operates with elevated privileges. The vulnerability affects organizations using Apache OpenMeetings for video conferencing, webinars, and collaborative environments where file sharing capabilities are essential.
Security practitioners should recognize this vulnerability as aligning with CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, and CWE-73, which addresses external control of file name or path. The attack pattern corresponds to techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under T1059 for command and control, and T1083 for file and directory discovery. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including upgrading to Apache OpenMeetings version 3.1.1 or later, implementing strict input validation for all file upload operations, and configuring proper network segmentation to limit access to the vulnerable SOAP endpoints. Additionally, monitoring for suspicious file access patterns and implementing web application firewalls can provide additional layers of protection against exploitation attempts.