CVE-2018-1000083 in ajenti
Summary
by MITRE
Ajenti version version 2 contains a Improper Error Handling vulnerability in Login JSON request that can result in The requisition leaks a path of the server. This attack appear to be exploitable via By sending a malformed JSON, the tool responds with a traceback error that leaks a path of the server.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/13/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-1000083 affects Ajenti version 2 and represents a critical improper error handling flaw that exposes sensitive server path information through login JSON requests. This vulnerability resides within the authentication mechanism of the web-based management interface, specifically in how the system processes malformed JSON input during login operations. The flaw manifests when the application fails to properly sanitize or validate incoming JSON payloads, leading to unhandled exceptions that generate detailed error responses containing server path information.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the submission of malformed JSON data to the login endpoint, which triggers the application to return a traceback error message. This error response contains the full server path where the application is installed, including directory structures and potentially sensitive file locations. The leaked path information can include absolute file paths, module locations, and internal directory structures that provide attackers with crucial information for further exploitation attempts. This type of information disclosure directly aligns with CWE-209, which addresses improper error handling that reveals sensitive information, and represents a classic example of how error handling flaws can create attack vectors.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the leaked server paths can serve as a foundation for more sophisticated attacks. Attackers can use the disclosed path information to craft targeted attacks against specific file locations, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution, local file inclusion vulnerabilities, or further reconnaissance activities. The exposure of internal server structures undermines the principle of defense in depth by providing attackers with knowledge of the application's internal architecture. This vulnerability is particularly concerning in environments where Ajenti is used for system administration, as it could enable attackers to escalate privileges or gain deeper access to the underlying infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper input validation and error handling mechanisms within the Ajenti application. Organizations should ensure that all JSON parsing operations include comprehensive error handling that prevents sensitive information from being exposed in error responses. The implementation of generic error messages that do not reveal server paths or internal structures is essential. Additionally, regular security updates and patches should be applied immediately upon availability, as this vulnerability has been addressed in subsequent versions of the Ajenti platform. Network segmentation and access controls should also be implemented to limit exposure of the affected system to unauthorized users, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol manipulation and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure coding practices, particularly in authentication mechanisms where error handling can inadvertently provide attackers with valuable reconnaissance information.