CVE-2017-16130 in exxxxxxxxxxx
Summary
by MITRE
exxxxxxxxxxx is an Http eX Frame Google Style JavaScript Guide. exxxxxxxxxxx is vulnerable to a directory traversal issue, giving an attacker access to the filesystem by placing "../" in the url. Accessible files are restricted to those with a file extension. Files with no extension such as /etc/passwd throw an error.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/16/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-16130 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the exxxxxxxxxxx JavaScript library that implements Google Style HTTP eX Frame guidelines. This security weakness stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the library's file access routines, allowing malicious actors to exploit path traversal techniques through crafted URL parameters. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the application processes user-supplied input containing directory traversal sequences such as "../" which should normally be rejected or properly sanitized before file system operations are executed. The flaw operates at the application layer and directly impacts the library's ability to enforce proper access controls when resolving file paths.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the library processes HTTP requests containing path traversal sequences without adequate validation of the requested file paths. This allows attackers to navigate beyond the intended directory boundaries and access files that should remain restricted. The library's handling of URL parameters fails to properly validate or sanitize the input before constructing file system paths, creating an opportunity for malicious users to manipulate the application's file resolution logic. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it demonstrates a fundamental flaw in input validation and path resolution mechanisms that are critical for maintaining application security boundaries. According to CWE standards, this maps directly to CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized file access to potentially expose sensitive system information and compromise the overall security posture of applications utilizing this library. Attackers can leverage this weakness to access configuration files, source code, database files, and other sensitive resources that may contain authentication credentials, system information, or application logic. The restriction that files without extensions such as /etc/passwd throw errors indicates that the library implements some level of file type filtering, but this protection mechanism is insufficient to prevent the traversal attack itself. The vulnerability creates a persistent risk for any application that relies on this library for HTTP request processing and file access operations. Organizations using this library face potential data breaches, system compromise, and regulatory compliance violations that could result in significant financial and reputational damage.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the library's path resolution logic. The recommended approach involves implementing strict validation of all user-supplied input to prevent directory traversal sequences from being processed. Security controls should include absolute path resolution, canonical path validation, and comprehensive input sanitization that removes or encodes potentially dangerous characters. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and input validation layers that can detect and block suspicious path traversal attempts. Additionally, regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the application stack. The remediation process must ensure that all path resolution operations validate that requested files remain within designated directories and that no traversal sequences can bypass these security boundaries. This vulnerability serves as a critical reminder of the importance of proper input validation and the potential consequences of inadequate security controls in application development frameworks.