CVE-2018-17837 in JTBC(PHP)
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered in JTBC(PHP) 3.0.1.6. Arbitrary file deletion is possible via a /console/file/manage.php?type=action&action=delete&path=c%3A%2F substring.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/28/2020
The vulnerability CVE-2018-17837 represents a critical arbitrary file deletion flaw in JTBC PHP version 3.0.1.6 that exposes the application to unauthorized destructive operations. This issue resides within the console file management component where the application fails to properly validate user input parameters, specifically the path parameter used in file deletion operations. The vulnerability manifests when an attacker manipulates the URL structure to include a crafted path parameter that points to system files outside of the intended directory scope, enabling deletion of critical system resources.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input sanitization and access control mechanisms within the file management functionality. The application processes the path parameter directly without proper validation or authorization checks, allowing attackers to traverse directory structures and target files outside the permitted scope. This weakness aligns with CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal vulnerabilities. The vulnerability specifically affects the file management interface at /console/file/manage.php where the action parameter is set to delete and the path parameter contains a malicious file path that can be resolved to system-critical files.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data loss scenarios as it provides attackers with the capability to compromise entire system integrity through destructive file operations. An attacker who can access the console interface can potentially delete essential system files, configuration files, or application components that would render the system non-functional or create security gaps. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows for arbitrary file deletion, meaning that attackers can target any file path that the application process has permissions to access. This capability can lead to complete system compromise, service disruption, or the creation of backdoor access points. The attack vector is straightforward and requires minimal privileges, as the vulnerability is present in the management console interface that typically requires authentication but may be accessible to unauthorized users.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements. The primary fix involves implementing strict input validation and access control checks within the file management component to ensure that all file paths are properly validated against a whitelist of allowed directories. This approach aligns with the principle of least privilege and helps prevent path traversal attacks by restricting file operations to predetermined safe locations. Additionally, the application should implement proper authentication and authorization controls to ensure that only authorized personnel can access the file management console. Security patches should be applied immediately to update the affected JTBC PHP version to a secure release that addresses this vulnerability. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to monitor and block suspicious file deletion requests, and establish regular security audits of file management components to identify similar weaknesses in other parts of the application. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and access control mechanisms in preventing privilege escalation and destructive attacks, and serves as a reminder of the critical need for secure coding practices in web application development.