CVE-2017-8868 in flatCore
Summary
by MITRE
acp/core/files.browser.php in flatCore 1.4.7 allows file deletion via directory traversal in the delete parameter to acp/acp.php. The risk might be limited to requests submitted through CSRF.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/06/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-8868 resides within the flatCore content management system version 1.4.7, specifically in the acp/core/files.browser.php component. This issue represents a directory traversal vulnerability that enables unauthorized file deletion operations through manipulation of the delete parameter in the acp/acp.php script. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly restrict file paths, allowing attackers to navigate beyond the intended directory boundaries and target arbitrary files for deletion. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it operates within the administrative control panel context, potentially providing attackers with elevated privileges to compromise the system's file integrity.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a directory traversal attack vector where malicious actors can manipulate the delete parameter to specify file paths that extend beyond the intended scope of the file browser functionality. This type of vulnerability 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 attack typically involves using sequences such as "../" or "..\" to navigate up directory levels and access files outside the designated browsing area. The vulnerability's impact is amplified when combined with cross-site request forgery techniques, as the attack can be initiated through malicious web pages that trick authenticated users into performing unwanted file deletion operations without their knowledge or consent.
The operational implications of this vulnerability extend beyond simple file deletion capabilities, as it represents a critical security weakness that can lead to complete system compromise. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can potentially delete essential system files, configuration data, or even executable components that could render the flatCore installation non-functional or provide a foothold for further attacks. The limited scope of the risk being restricted to CSRF-submitted requests indicates that the vulnerability is particularly dangerous in environments where users may be tricked into visiting malicious websites while authenticated to the flatCore administration panel. This scenario aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001, which describes the use of command and scripting interpreters, and T1213.002, which involves data from network shared drives, as attackers could potentially leverage this vulnerability to access sensitive data or disrupt system operations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-8868 should focus on implementing robust input validation and sanitization measures that enforce strict path validation before any file operations are executed. The system should employ absolute path restrictions that prevent traversal beyond predetermined directories and implement proper access controls that validate user permissions before executing file deletion operations. Organizations should also implement CSRF protection mechanisms such as anti-CSRF tokens to prevent unauthorized requests from being executed within the context of authenticated sessions. Additionally, regular security audits and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar path traversal vulnerabilities in other components of the application, while keeping the flatCore installation updated to the latest version that contains patches for this specific vulnerability. The implementation of web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can also provide additional layers of protection by monitoring for suspicious path traversal patterns and blocking malicious requests before they can affect the system.