CVE-2018-17934 in NUUO
Summary
by MITRE
NUUO CMS All versions 3.3 and prior the application allows external input to construct a pathname that is able to be resolved outside the intended directory. This could allow an attacker to impersonate a legitimate user, obtain restricted information, or execute arbitrary code.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/26/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-17934 affects NUUO CMS versions 3.3 and earlier, representing a critical directory traversal flaw that stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the application's path construction logic. This vulnerability falls 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. The flaw exists when the application processes external input without proper sanitization or validation, allowing malicious actors to manipulate file path parameters and navigate beyond the intended directory boundaries. Such vulnerabilities are particularly dangerous in content management systems where user input may be used to construct file paths for various operations including file access, upload, or download functions.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability enables attackers to manipulate the application's path resolution mechanisms through crafted input parameters that contain directory traversal sequences such as "../" or similar path manipulation constructs. When the application processes these malicious inputs without proper validation, it can resolve file paths that extend beyond the intended directory structure, potentially allowing access to sensitive system files, configuration data, or even enabling arbitrary code execution. The impact extends beyond simple information disclosure as attackers can leverage this weakness to impersonate legitimate users within the system, effectively bypassing authentication mechanisms and gaining unauthorized access to restricted resources. This type of vulnerability represents a fundamental flaw in input validation and access control implementation that directly violates secure coding practices and industry security standards.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-17934 is severe and multifaceted, potentially allowing attackers to gain unauthorized access to sensitive data, execute malicious code on the affected system, and impersonate legitimate users within the NUUO CMS environment. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to access restricted system files, configuration databases, user credentials, and other sensitive information that should remain protected within the intended directory boundaries. The ability to execute arbitrary code through directory traversal represents a critical escalation path that could lead to complete system compromise and persistence within the network. Organizations utilizing affected NUUO CMS versions face significant risk of data breaches, unauthorized access to surveillance systems, and potential lateral movement within their network infrastructure, as this vulnerability can serve as an initial access point for more extensive attacks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-17934 should focus on implementing robust input validation and sanitization mechanisms throughout the application's codebase, particularly in areas where external input is used to construct file paths. The most effective approach involves implementing strict path validation that ensures all file operations occur within designated directories and that external input cannot manipulate the path resolution process. Organizations should immediately upgrade to NUUO CMS versions that address this vulnerability, as the vendor has likely released patches or updates to correct the path traversal flaw. Additionally, implementing proper access controls, restricting file system permissions, and employing application whitelisting techniques can help reduce the attack surface and limit the potential impact of exploitation attempts. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual path traversal patterns and unauthorized access attempts to sensitive system resources, while network segmentation and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of defense against exploitation attempts.