CVE-2016-6126 in Kenexa LMS on Cloud
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Kenexa LMS on Cloud 13.1 and 13.2 - 13.2.4 could allow a remote attacker to traverse directories on the system. An attacker could send a specially-crafted URL request containing "dot dot" sequences (/../) to view arbitrary files on the system.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/09/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-6126 affects IBM Kenexa Learning Management System on Cloud versions 13.1 through 13.2.4, representing a critical directory traversal flaw that enables remote attackers to access unauthorized system files. This issue stems from insufficient input validation within the web application's request processing mechanism, specifically when handling URL parameters that contain directory navigation sequences.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the fundamental weakness in path resolution where the application fails to properly sanitize user-supplied input containing sequences such as "/../" or "../". When an attacker crafts a malicious URL request with these directory traversal sequences, the system processes these inputs without adequate validation, allowing the attacker to navigate through the file system hierarchy and access files that should remain restricted. This flaw directly maps to CWE-22, which categorizes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it provides attackers with the capability to access sensitive system files, configuration data, and potentially database credentials stored within the application's file system. Remote exploitation means that attackers do not require physical access or local system credentials to leverage this vulnerability, making it particularly dangerous for cloud-based applications where network exposure is inherent. The compromised system could reveal confidential information such as user credentials, application source code, or system configuration files that could be used for further attacks within the network infrastructure.
Organizations utilizing IBM Kenexa LMS on Cloud should immediately implement mitigations including input validation and sanitization of all user-supplied URL parameters, implementing proper path normalization techniques, and deploying web application firewalls to filter malicious requests. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of regular security assessments and patch management processes, as this issue could have been prevented through proper security coding practices and input validation measures. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with techniques such as T1071.004 for application layer protocol and T1566 for phishing, as attackers could leverage this weakness to gain initial access and escalate privileges within the target environment.