CVE-2018-20606 in imcat
Summary
by MITRE
imcat 4.4 allows full path disclosure via a dev.php?tools-ipaddr&api=Pcoln&uip= URI.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/25/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-20606 affects the imcat content management system version 4.4 and represents a critical information disclosure flaw that exposes sensitive system paths to unauthorized users. This vulnerability manifests through the dev.php endpoint when specific query parameters are manipulated, specifically the tools-ipaddr parameter combined with api=Pcoln and uip= URI components. The flaw enables attackers to extract full file system paths from the server, which can provide crucial information about the underlying infrastructure and potentially aid in subsequent exploitation attempts.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and error handling within the imcat application's development tools interface. When the dev.php script processes the malformed URI with the specified parameters, it fails to properly sanitize or restrict user input, allowing the system to reveal internal file paths through error messages or direct path exposure. This type of vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-209, which specifically addresses "Information Exposure Through an Error Message" and represents a fundamental flaw in the application's security architecture that violates proper input sanitization principles. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it provides attackers with complete knowledge of the application's file structure, potentially exposing sensitive directories, configuration files, and system locations that could be leveraged for further attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure and creates significant risks for organizations using affected imcat installations. Attackers who successfully exploit this flaw can gain comprehensive knowledge of the target system's file hierarchy, which may include database connection strings, administrative credentials, or other sensitive configuration data stored in accessible files. This information can be instrumental in planning more sophisticated attacks such as remote code execution attempts, privilege escalation, or lateral movement within the network. The vulnerability aligns with several tactics outlined in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the Information Gathering phase, specifically targeting the collection of system information and reconnaissance activities that precede more destructive operations. Organizations running vulnerable versions of imcat face increased risk of data breaches, system compromise, and potential regulatory violations due to the exposure of sensitive system information.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-20606 should focus on immediate patching of the affected imcat version to the latest available release that addresses this specific vulnerability. System administrators should also implement input validation controls at the web application level to prevent unauthorized access to development tools and ensure that error messages do not reveal internal system paths. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls can help detect and block malicious URI patterns targeting this vulnerability. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive security audits to identify other potentially vulnerable applications within their infrastructure and implement proper access controls to restrict access to development tools and administrative interfaces. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be performed to ensure that similar information disclosure vulnerabilities are identified and addressed before they can be exploited by malicious actors.