CVE-2018-0617 in MemoCGI
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in ChamaNet MemoCGI v2.1800 to v2.2200 allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/10/2020
The directory traversal vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-0617 affects ChamaNet MemoCGI versions ranging from 2.1800 through 2.2200, representing a critical security flaw that enables remote attackers to access arbitrary files on the affected system. This vulnerability falls under the common weakness enumeration CWE-22, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the MemoCGI application's file handling mechanisms, allowing malicious actors to manipulate file access requests through specially crafted input parameters that bypass normal file system access controls.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the application's failure to properly validate and sanitize user-supplied input that is used in file system operations. Attackers can construct malicious requests containing sequences such as ../ or ..\ that traverse directory structures to access files outside of the intended directory scope. This flaw operates at the application layer and can be exploited remotely without requiring authentication, making it particularly dangerous as it allows unauthorized access to sensitive information stored on the server. The vulnerability affects the core file access functionality of MemoCGI, potentially enabling attackers to read configuration files, log files, source code, and other sensitive data that should remain protected from unauthorized access.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-0617 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can lead to complete system compromise when combined with other vulnerabilities or attack vectors. Remote attackers can leverage this vulnerability to access database files, application configuration settings, and potentially sensitive user data stored within the application's file system. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that MemoCGI is designed for network communication and file handling, making it a prime target for exploitation. Organizations running affected versions face significant risks including data breaches, system integrity compromise, and potential regulatory compliance violations, especially in environments where sensitive information processing is required. The vulnerability can also serve as a stepping stone for further attacks, as attackers often use initial information disclosure to gather system information for more sophisticated exploitation techniques.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-0617 should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems with the vendor-provided security updates, as this represents the most effective defense against exploitation. Organizations should also implement input validation controls at multiple layers including network firewalls, application firewalls, and application-level sanitization to prevent malicious path traversal sequences from reaching the file system. Network segmentation and access control measures can help limit the potential impact of successful exploitation by restricting access to sensitive resources. Additionally, implementing robust monitoring and logging mechanisms can help detect anomalous file access patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and T1005 (Data from Local System), highlighting the importance of comprehensive defensive measures that address both prevention and detection capabilities. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar issues in other applications and systems within the organization's infrastructure.