CVE-2016-5664 in Kiteworks
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability on Accellion Kiteworks appliances before kw2016.03.00 allows remote attackers to read files via a crafted URI.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/02/2024
The CVE-2016-5664 vulnerability represents a critical directory traversal flaw discovered in Accellion Kiteworks appliances prior to version kw2016.03.00. This vulnerability resides within the web application layer of the Kiteworks platform, which is widely deployed for secure file transfer and collaboration services in enterprise environments. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the application's URI parsing functionality, allowing malicious actors to manipulate file paths and gain unauthorized access to sensitive system resources. The affected appliances typically serve as secure file transfer gateways, handling confidential data exchanges between organizations and their partners, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous for organizations relying on the platform for mission-critical operations.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through crafted URI requests that manipulate the application's file handling mechanisms. Attackers can construct malicious URLs containing directory traversal sequences such as ../ or ..\ to navigate outside the intended directory boundaries and access files outside the web root. The vulnerability specifically affects the file download and retrieval functions within the Kiteworks appliance, where user-provided URI parameters are directly processed without adequate validation. This flaw enables attackers to read arbitrary files from the underlying file system, potentially exposing configuration files, database credentials, application source code, and other sensitive data that should remain protected. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-22 as "Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal')", which is a well-documented weakness in web applications that fail to properly validate user input before processing file system operations. According to the ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and T1566 (Phishing with Malicious Attachments) as attackers can leverage the traversal capability to discover and exfiltrate sensitive files.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-5664 extends beyond simple unauthorized file access, as it can lead to complete system compromise and data breaches. Organizations utilizing Accellion Kiteworks appliances may experience significant security incidents where attackers exploit this vulnerability to extract sensitive information, including user credentials, system configurations, and confidential business data. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of the entire file transfer ecosystem, potentially allowing attackers to escalate privileges, modify system files, or establish persistent access points within the network. Attackers can also use this vulnerability to gather intelligence about the target environment, identify other vulnerable systems, and plan further attacks. The risk is particularly elevated for organizations handling regulated data such as healthcare information, financial records, or personally identifiable information, where compliance violations could result in substantial financial penalties and reputational damage. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers can leverage it from outside the network perimeter without requiring prior authentication, making it a particularly attractive target for cybercriminals seeking to compromise enterprise security infrastructure.
Organizations affected by CVE-2016-5664 should immediately implement the vendor-provided security patches and updates to remediate the vulnerability. The recommended mitigation strategy involves upgrading to Accellion Kiteworks version kw2016.03.00 or later, which includes proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms to prevent directory traversal attacks. Additionally, network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to limit access to the Kiteworks appliances, while monitoring and logging should be enhanced to detect suspicious URI patterns and file access attempts. Security teams should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify any potential exploitation attempts and implement intrusion detection systems that can recognize directory traversal patterns in network traffic. The implementation of web application firewalls and input validation controls serves as an additional layer of protection against similar vulnerabilities. Organizations should also review their incident response procedures to ensure readiness for potential exploitation of this vulnerability, as the exposure of sensitive files could lead to significant security incidents requiring immediate containment and forensic analysis. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to verify that the implemented mitigations remain effective against evolving attack techniques targeting similar directory traversal vulnerabilities.