CVE-2017-5869 in Nuxeo
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in the file import feature in Nuxeo Platform 6.0, 7.1, 7.2, and 7.3 allows remote authenticated users to upload and execute arbitrary JSP code via a .. (dot dot) in the X-File-Name header.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/26/2024
The CVE-2017-5869 vulnerability represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the Nuxeo Platform file import functionality affecting versions 6.0, 7.1, 7.2, and 7.3. This vulnerability resides in the platform's handling of file uploads through the X-File-Name header parameter, which is processed during the import operation. The flaw enables authenticated attackers to manipulate file paths by incorporating directory traversal sequences such as .. (dot dot) within the header value, effectively bypassing normal file system access controls and potentially allowing arbitrary code execution.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and path sanitization within the file import feature. When the Nuxeo Platform processes the X-File-Name header, it fails to properly validate or sanitize the provided path components, allowing attackers to inject malicious path sequences that can traverse the file system hierarchy. This weakness directly maps to CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal vulnerabilities. The vulnerability occurs specifically during the file import process where the platform attempts to store uploaded files in the designated path, but the validation mechanism is insufficient to prevent malicious path manipulation.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to organizations using affected Nuxeo Platform versions, as it allows remote authenticated users to upload and execute arbitrary JSP code on the server. Attackers can leverage this capability to gain unauthorized access to the underlying system, potentially leading to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, or service disruption. The authenticated nature of the vulnerability means that attackers must first obtain valid credentials, but once inside the system, they can escalate their privileges and execute malicious code with the permissions of the Nuxeo service account. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, specifically JSP, and T1078 for Valid Accounts, as it requires legitimate user credentials to exploit.
Organizations should immediately apply the vendor-provided patches or updates that address this directory traversal vulnerability in their Nuxeo Platform installations. The mitigation strategy should include implementing proper input validation and sanitization of all file path parameters, particularly those derived from HTTP headers. Security measures should enforce strict path validation that prevents directory traversal sequences from being processed, and implement proper access controls that limit file upload capabilities to authorized users only. Network segmentation and monitoring should be enhanced to detect suspicious file upload activities, particularly those involving unusual path sequences in HTTP headers. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive security assessments of their Nuxeo Platform installations to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in other components of the system. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of validating all user-supplied input, especially in file handling operations, and implementing defense-in-depth strategies that include both perimeter security and internal access controls to prevent exploitation of such flaws.