CVE-2018-14831 in DamiCMS
Summary
by MITRE
An arbitrary file read vulnerability in DamiCMS v6.0.0 allows remote authenticated administrators to read any files in the server via a crafted /admin.php?s=Tpl/Add/id/ URI.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/24/2023
The vulnerability CVE-2018-14831 represents a critical arbitrary file read flaw in DamiCMS version 6.0.0 that fundamentally compromises server security through improper input validation. This issue affects authenticated administrator accounts and enables remote exploitation through a specifically crafted URI endpoint that manipulates the template addition functionality. The vulnerability stems from inadequate sanitization of user-supplied input parameters, particularly within the id parameter of the /admin.php?s=Tpl/Add/id/ URI structure. Attackers can leverage this weakness to traverse the file system and access sensitive files that should remain protected within the server environment, potentially including configuration files, database credentials, application source code, and other privileged information.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal attacks. The flaw occurs when the application fails to properly validate or sanitize the id parameter before using it in file system operations. When an authenticated administrator accesses the malicious URI with crafted input, the application processes the parameter without sufficient validation, allowing attackers to manipulate the file path and gain unauthorized access to files outside the intended directory structure. This type of vulnerability demonstrates a classic lack of input validation and output encoding practices that are fundamental to secure application development. The attack vector operates entirely through HTTP requests, making it particularly dangerous as it requires no special privileges beyond legitimate administrative access, and the exploitation process is straightforward and repeatable.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-14831 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with potentially devastating access to sensitive system resources. Once exploited, adversaries can extract database configuration files that may contain database credentials, application source code that reveals implementation details and potential additional vulnerabilities, log files that might contain user information or system access patterns, and other critical system files. This access can lead to complete system compromise, as database credentials can be used to directly access databases, application source code can reveal additional attack vectors, and configuration files may contain system-specific information that aids in further exploitation. The vulnerability essentially provides an attacker with a backdoor into the system's file structure, enabling them to escalate privileges, access user data, and potentially establish persistent access through the discovery of additional system weaknesses.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-14831 must address both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements to prevent similar issues. Organizations should immediately apply the vendor-supplied patch or upgrade to a version of DamiCMS that resolves this vulnerability, as this represents the most direct and effective solution. Additionally, implementing proper input validation and sanitization measures is crucial, including the use of allowlists for acceptable file paths, proper parameter validation, and ensuring that all user-supplied inputs are rigorously checked before being processed. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by limiting the file system access of the web application and implementing proper access controls that prevent traversal attacks. Network-level mitigations such as web application firewalls can provide additional protection by detecting and blocking suspicious URI patterns, while regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other parts of the application stack. This vulnerability also highlights the importance of implementing proper authentication controls and monitoring administrative access patterns to detect potential exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing automated vulnerability scanning tools that can identify path traversal vulnerabilities in web applications and ensure that security testing includes comprehensive coverage of input validation mechanisms. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1566 Phishing, as it enables attackers to gain access to system resources that can be used for further exploitation and data exfiltration.