CVE-2017-9030 in B2J Contact Extension
Summary
by MITRE
The Codextrous B2J Contact (aka b2j_contact) extension before 2.1.13 for Joomla! allows a directory traversal attack that bypasses a uniqid protection mechanism, and makes it easier to read arbitrary uploaded files.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/26/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-9030 affects the Codextrous B2J Contact extension for Joomla installations that utilize this component. The vulnerability exploits a bypass of the uniqid protection mechanism, which is intended to ensure unique file names and prevent predictable file access patterns. Directory traversal attacks of this nature are particularly dangerous because they allow attackers to access files outside the intended directory structure, potentially exposing sensitive data or system resources that should remain protected.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and improper file path handling within the B2J Contact extension's file upload and retrieval processes. When users upload files through the extension, the system should enforce strict validation to prevent attackers from manipulating file paths to access arbitrary files on the server. However, the flaw allows attackers to craft malicious requests that bypass the uniqid protection, enabling them to traverse directories and read files that they should not have access to. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal. The weakness essentially allows an attacker to manipulate the file system access controls through crafted input parameters that are not properly sanitized or validated before being used in file operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with the capability to read arbitrary uploaded files, potentially including configuration files, database credentials, or other sensitive data that may have been stored on the server. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to gain insights into the system's internal structure and potentially escalate their access to other vulnerable components within the Joomla installation, undermining the trust model that users expect from content management systems that properly implement security controls.
Organizations using the affected B2J Contact extension should immediately implement mitigations including updating to version 2.1.13 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the directory traversal vulnerability. Additionally, administrators should review and restrict file upload capabilities within the Joomla! environment, implement proper input validation for all file operations, and consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious traversal attempts. The mitigation strategy should also include regular security audits of third-party extensions to ensure they comply with current security standards and do not introduce vulnerabilities that could compromise the overall system security posture. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date security controls and proper input validation in web applications, as even seemingly minor flaws in third-party components can have significant implications for the entire system's security.