CVE-2017-20101 in ProjectSend
Summary
by MITRE • 06/27/2022
A vulnerability, which was classified as problematic, was found in ProjectSend r754. This affects an unknown part of the file process.php?do=zip_download. The manipulation of the argument client/file leads to information disclosure. It is possible to initiate the attack remotely.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/18/2026
The vulnerability identified in ProjectSend version r754 represents a critical information disclosure flaw that exists within the file processing functionality of the web application. This issue specifically impacts the process.php script when executed with the zip_download parameter, creating a pathway for unauthorized data access through manipulation of the client/file argument. The vulnerability's classification as problematic indicates significant security implications that require immediate attention and remediation.
The technical nature of this flaw stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the file processing workflow. When the client/file parameter is manipulated, the application fails to properly verify or restrict user-supplied data before using it in file operations. This allows attackers to traverse the file system and potentially access sensitive information that should remain protected. The vulnerability operates at the application layer where user input directly influences file handling processes, making it particularly dangerous as it can expose not only the targeted files but potentially underlying system structures and configuration details.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates a remote attack vector that enables adversaries to exploit the system without requiring physical access or local privileges. The ability to initiate attacks remotely means that threat actors can target the application from anywhere on the internet, significantly expanding the potential attack surface. Information disclosure vulnerabilities of this nature often serve as initial entry points for more sophisticated attacks, potentially allowing attackers to gather intelligence about the system architecture, user data, and other sensitive information that could be leveraged for further compromise.
The security implications extend beyond simple data exposure, as this vulnerability may enable attackers to access not only client files but potentially system configuration details, database credentials, or other sensitive resources stored within the application's file structure. This aligns with common attack patterns documented in the ATT&CK framework where initial access is achieved through exploitation of web application vulnerabilities, followed by information gathering and lateral movement within the compromised environment. The vulnerability also maps to CWE-20, which describes improper input validation, and CWE-22, addressing path traversal issues that can lead to unauthorized access to files outside the intended directory structure.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing robust input validation mechanisms that sanitize all user-supplied parameters before they are processed by the application. The implementation of proper access controls and file system restrictions can prevent unauthorized traversal of directories and access to protected resources. Additionally, restricting direct file path manipulation through the client/file parameter will significantly reduce the attack surface. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other parts of the application. The remediation process should also include implementing proper logging and monitoring of file access operations to detect anomalous behavior that may indicate exploitation attempts. Organizations utilizing ProjectSend should prioritize immediate patching or implementation of compensating controls while ensuring that all file handling processes undergo rigorous security testing before deployment.