CVE-2017-11500 in MetInfo
Summary
by MITRE
A directory traversal vulnerability exists in MetInfo 5.3.17. A remote attacker can use ..\ to delete any .zip file via the filenames parameter to /admin/system/database/filedown.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/31/2019
The directory traversal vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-11500 resides within MetInfo version 5.3.17, representing a critical security flaw that enables remote attackers to manipulate file operations through improper input validation. This vulnerability specifically affects the filedown.php administrative script located at /admin/system/database/filedown.php, where the application fails to adequately sanitize user-supplied filenames parameter. The flaw allows an attacker to exploit the directory traversal technique using the ..\ sequence to navigate beyond the intended directory boundaries and access arbitrary files within the system's file structure.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the MetInfo application's administrative interface. When a remote attacker submits a malicious filename parameter containing directory traversal sequences such as ..\, the application processes these inputs without proper verification, allowing the attacker to specify absolute paths or navigate to sensitive directories. This particular weakness manifests in the database file download functionality where the system attempts to process zip files without adequate restrictions on the filename parameter, creating an opportunity for unauthorized file deletion operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple directory traversal, as it enables attackers to delete arbitrary .zip files from the system, potentially compromising the integrity of the application's database backup mechanisms and overall system stability. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability to remove critical backup files, disrupt database operations, or potentially delete other sensitive system files that may be accessible through the same vulnerable endpoint. This capability significantly undermines the security posture of systems running MetInfo 5.3.17, as it provides unauthorized access to file deletion operations that should only be available to legitimate administrators.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-22 Directory Traversal and follows patterns commonly associated with improper input validation attacks that fall under the ATT&CK technique T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter. This classification indicates that the vulnerability represents a classic path traversal flaw that allows attackers to manipulate file system operations through crafted input sequences. The security implications are particularly severe given that the attack vector operates through the administrative interface, suggesting that an attacker could potentially escalate privileges or gain deeper system access through this vulnerability. Organizations using MetInfo 5.3.17 should immediately implement mitigation strategies including input validation, parameter sanitization, and access controls to prevent exploitation of this vulnerability.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-11500 should prioritize immediate patching of the MetInfo application to the latest available version that addresses this directory traversal vulnerability. System administrators must implement proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms that reject or filter directory traversal sequences from all user-supplied parameters, particularly those related to file operations. Additional protective measures include restricting administrative access to the filedown.php endpoint, implementing proper file permission controls, and establishing network segmentation to limit potential attack surfaces. Organizations should also conduct comprehensive security audits of their MetInfo installations to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities that may exist in other application components or related systems. Regular security monitoring and intrusion detection systems should be configured to detect suspicious file operations that may indicate exploitation attempts of this vulnerability.