CVE-2018-10245 in AWStats
Summary
by MITRE
A Full Path Disclosure vulnerability in AWStats through 7.6 allows remote attackers to know where the config file is allocated, obtaining the full path of the server, a similar issue to CVE-2006-3682. The attack can, for example, use the awstats.pl framename and update parameters.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/30/2020
The CVE-2018-10245 vulnerability represents a critical Full Path Disclosure issue affecting AWStats versions through 7.6, exposing sensitive server path information to remote attackers. This vulnerability operates under the broader category of information disclosure flaws that can significantly compromise system security by revealing critical filesystem locations. The flaw specifically manifests when attackers exploit the awstats.pl script with particular parameters such as framename and update, which can be manipulated to extract complete server paths. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-209, which specifically addresses "Information Exposure Through an Error Message" and is closely related to the more general CWE-200, "Information Exposure," which encompasses all forms of unintended information disclosure. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic example of how web applications can inadvertently expose internal system details through error handling mechanisms or parameter processing.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of specific parameters within the AWStats web interface, particularly the framename and update parameters that control how the application processes user input. When these parameters are improperly handled, the application reveals the complete server path where configuration files are stored, including the full directory structure and file locations. This exposure can occur even when standard security measures are in place, as the vulnerability stems from the application's response to malformed or specially crafted input rather than from direct file system access. Attackers can leverage this information to plan more sophisticated attacks, potentially combining this path disclosure with other vulnerabilities to gain deeper system access or to craft more targeted attacks against the specific server configuration. The vulnerability's similarity to CVE-2006-3682 demonstrates a persistent pattern in web application development where path disclosure issues remain prevalent across different versions and implementations.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-10245 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with crucial reconnaissance data that can facilitate subsequent attacks. Once an attacker obtains the full server path, they can better understand the application's deployment structure, potentially identifying weak configurations or other vulnerabilities that exist in the same environment. This information can be particularly valuable when combined with other reconnaissance techniques, as it allows attackers to craft more precise attacks against the specific server setup. The vulnerability can be exploited through simple web requests without requiring authentication or special privileges, making it an attractive target for automated scanning tools and opportunistic attackers. The exposure of server paths can also aid in bypassing certain security controls, as attackers may be able to predict or locate configuration files that are normally protected or restricted. This vulnerability directly impacts the principle of least privilege and can undermine the effectiveness of other security measures by providing attackers with detailed knowledge of the target system's internal structure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-10245 should focus on implementing proper input validation and sanitization within the AWStats application to prevent the exposure of server paths during error handling or parameter processing. Organizations should immediately upgrade to AWStats version 7.7 or later, where this vulnerability has been addressed through improved parameter handling and error message generation. Additionally, implementing proper web application firewall rules to filter out suspicious parameter combinations can provide an additional layer of protection. Security configurations should include disabling unnecessary features and ensuring that error messages do not contain sensitive system information. The implementation of proper logging mechanisms can help detect exploitation attempts, while regular security assessments should include checks for similar path disclosure vulnerabilities in other web applications. Organizations should also consider implementing the principle of least privilege for web application files and directories, ensuring that error messages are generic and do not reveal internal system paths or configurations. This vulnerability highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and adheres to ATT&CK technique T1212, "Exploitation for Credential Access," as the exposed paths can facilitate further attacks targeting system credentials or configuration files.