CVE-2017-11325 in Tilde
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered in Tilde CMS 1.0.1. Arbitrary files can be read via a file=../ attack on actionphp/download.File.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/31/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-11325 affects Tilde CMS version 1.0.1 and represents a critical directory traversal flaw that allows attackers to access arbitrary files on the server. This issue stems from insufficient input validation in the actionphp/download.File.php component where user-supplied parameters are directly processed without proper sanitization or authorization checks. The vulnerability manifests when an attacker manipulates the file parameter by using directory traversal sequences such as ../ to navigate outside the intended directory structure and access files that should remain protected.
This directory traversal vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-22, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, also known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The flaw enables attackers to bypass normal access controls and retrieve sensitive information including configuration files, database credentials, application source code, and other confidential data that may be stored on the same server. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it requires minimal effort to exploit and can potentially lead to complete system compromise if sensitive files are accessible through the traversal mechanism.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure to potentially enable further exploitation techniques within the attack chain. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can gain access to system files, application configuration details, and potentially database connection strings that could facilitate additional attacks such as privilege escalation or lateral movement within the network. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in environments where Tilde CMS is deployed with default configurations that may expose sensitive files or where the application runs with elevated privileges. According to the MITRE ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability aligns with techniques related to credential access and privilege escalation, as it allows adversaries to obtain information that could be used to gain deeper access to the system.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate patching of the Tilde CMS application to the latest version that addresses this directory traversal flaw. Organizations should implement proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms that reject or filter out directory traversal sequences before processing user input. Additionally, the principle of least privilege should be enforced by ensuring that the application runs with minimal required permissions and that sensitive files are properly secured using appropriate access controls. Network segmentation and monitoring solutions should be deployed to detect and alert on suspicious file access patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Security configuration reviews should also be conducted to ensure that the application is not configured to expose unnecessary files or directories that could be targeted by attackers. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of validating all user inputs and implementing proper access controls to prevent unauthorized file access and maintain system integrity.