CVE-2018-12042 in Fileman
Summary
by MITRE
Roxy Fileman through v1.4.5 has Directory traversal via the php/download.php f parameter.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/17/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-12042 affects Roxy Fileman version 1.4.5 and earlier, representing a critical directory traversal flaw that enables unauthorized access to files outside the intended directory structure. This vulnerability exists within the php/download.php component of the file manager system where the f parameter fails to properly validate user input, creating an opportunity for attackers to manipulate file paths and access restricted system resources. The flaw stems from inadequate input sanitization and path validation mechanisms that allow malicious actors to craft specific requests that bypass normal file access controls.
Directory traversal vulnerabilities fall under the CWE-22 category, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. These attacks exploit insufficient input validation in applications that handle file operations, allowing attackers to access files and directories that should normally be restricted. The attack vector in this case leverages the f parameter in download.php, where user-supplied input directly influences file system operations without proper sanitization or validation checks. This creates a scenario where an attacker can navigate through the file system hierarchy using sequences like "../" to access files outside the intended web root or designated directories.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized file access, as it can potentially lead to complete system compromise through the exposure of sensitive configuration files, database credentials, application source code, and other critical system information. Attackers can exploit this weakness to download arbitrary files from the server, potentially obtaining administrative access or sensitive data that could be used for further attacks. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the file system level, allowing access to system files, logs, and potentially even system binaries that could be leveraged for privilege escalation or information gathering. This type of vulnerability aligns with the attack pattern described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under T1083 - File and Directory Discovery, where adversaries attempt to enumerate files and directories to understand the target environment and identify potential attack vectors.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-12042 should focus on implementing proper input validation and sanitization for all user-supplied parameters, particularly those that influence file system operations. Organizations should immediately upgrade to Roxy Fileman version 1.4.6 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address this vulnerability. Additionally, implementing proper path validation mechanisms that restrict file access to predefined directories, employing absolute path resolution instead of relative paths, and applying input filtering that removes or encodes dangerous characters such as "../" sequences can significantly reduce the risk. Network-level protections including web application firewalls and proper access controls should also be implemented to limit exposure. The remediation approach should align with security best practices outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and other industry standards, emphasizing defense in depth strategies that combine multiple layers of protection to prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in other components of the system architecture.