CVE-2018-20571 in DamiCMS
Summary
by MITRE
DamiCMS 6.0.1 allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a crafted admin.php?s=Tpl/Add/id request, as demonstrated by admin.php?s=Tpl/Add/id/.\Public\Config\config.ini.php to read the global configuration file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/25/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-20571 affects DamiCMS version 6.0.1, representing a critical path traversal flaw that enables remote attackers to access arbitrary files on the target system. This vulnerability exists within the administrative interface of the content management system, specifically in the Tpl/Add/id endpoint where the application fails to properly validate user input. The flaw allows attackers to manipulate the request parameter to navigate through the file system and retrieve sensitive configuration files, potentially exposing database credentials, application secrets, and other confidential information. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates through the admin.php endpoint which typically requires authentication, but the path traversal mechanism bypasses proper access controls and file validation mechanisms.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input sanitization and inadequate file path validation within the DamiCMS application logic. When an attacker submits a crafted request such as admin.php?s=Tpl/Add/id/.\Public\Config, the application processes the path traversal sequence without proper restrictions, allowing access to files outside the intended directory structure. This type of vulnerability maps directly to CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The flaw demonstrates a classic lack of input validation where the application treats user-supplied data as trusted and incorporates it directly into file system operations without proper sanitization or access control checks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with potential access to critical system components that could facilitate further compromise. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could obtain database connection strings, cryptographic keys, application configuration files, and potentially administrative credentials stored in configuration files. The exposure of such information could lead to full system compromise, data breaches, and unauthorized access to sensitive user data. Additionally, the vulnerability could be leveraged as a stepping stone for more sophisticated attacks, including privilege escalation, lateral movement within the network, and persistence mechanisms. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires no special privileges beyond basic access to the web application interface, making it accessible to attackers with minimal initial access.
Organizations utilizing DamiCMS 6.0.1 should implement immediate mitigations including applying the vendor-provided security patches, implementing proper input validation on all file system operations, and restricting access to administrative endpoints through network segmentation and authentication controls. The implementation of web application firewalls with path traversal detection capabilities can provide additional protection layers. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect suspicious file access patterns and unusual administrative requests. From a defensive perspective, this vulnerability aligns with tactics described in the ATT&CK framework under T1083 - File and Directory Discovery, where adversaries attempt to gather information about file systems and directories. The vulnerability also relates to T1078 - Valid Accounts, as successful exploitation may require valid administrative credentials, but the path traversal mechanism reduces the attack surface by bypassing some authentication requirements. Organizations should also consider implementing principle of least privilege access controls, ensuring that administrative functions are restricted to authorized personnel only and that file system access is properly limited through proper access control lists and permissions.