CVE-2018-0693 in FileZen
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in FileZen V3.0.0 to V4.2.1 allows remote attackers to upload an arbtrary file in the specific directory in FileZen via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/13/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-0693 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within FileZen versions 3.0.0 through 4.2.1 that enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary file uploads in specific directories. This security weakness stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize user-supplied data during file upload operations. The vulnerability allows malicious actors to manipulate file paths and bypass intended directory restrictions, potentially leading to unauthorized code execution and system compromise.
This directory traversal vulnerability falls under the CWE-22 category, specifically addressing improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The flaw exists in the file upload handling logic where the application does not adequately validate or sanitize file paths before processing user input. Attackers can exploit this by crafting malicious file names or paths that traverse directories outside of the intended upload location, thereby gaining access to restricted system areas.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized file uploads, as it can lead to complete system compromise when combined with other attack vectors. Remote attackers can leverage this weakness to upload malicious files such as web shells, backdoors, or other malicious executables that can be executed within the target system. The vulnerability affects the core file management functionality of FileZen, potentially allowing attackers to modify critical system files, escalate privileges, or establish persistent access to the affected environment.
Security professionals should note that this vulnerability aligns with several ATT&CK techniques including T1059 for command and script injection, T1078 for valid accounts, and T1505 for server-side injection. The attack surface is particularly concerning in environments where FileZen is deployed as a web application, as it provides attackers with a direct pathway to execute arbitrary code on the target server. Organizations utilizing these vulnerable versions face significant risk of data breaches, system compromise, and potential lateral movement within their network infrastructure.
The recommended mitigation strategies include immediate patching of FileZen to versions that address the directory traversal vulnerability, implementation of strict input validation and sanitization mechanisms, and deployment of web application firewalls to monitor and block suspicious file upload attempts. Additionally, organizations should enforce proper file upload restrictions, implement file type validation, and establish robust access controls to limit the impact of potential exploitation. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in other applications and systems within the organization's infrastructure.