CVE-2018-20610 in imcat
Summary
by MITRE
imcat 4.4 allows directory traversal via the root/run/adm.php efile parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/25/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-20610 affects imcat version 4.4 and represents a directory traversal flaw within the administrative interface component. This issue manifests through the root/run/adm.php script where the efile parameter fails to properly validate or sanitize user input, creating an opportunity for attackers to access arbitrary files on the server filesystem. The vulnerability specifically impacts the administrative functionality of the imcat content management system, which is commonly used for managing web applications and content. Directory traversal vulnerabilities of this nature typically arise when applications fail to adequately filter or escape input parameters that are used to construct file paths, allowing malicious actors to manipulate the intended file access behavior. The affected parameter efile in the adm.php script serves as the attack vector where unvalidated user input can be leveraged to navigate beyond the intended directory structure and access sensitive files that should remain protected.
This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-22, which defines improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal. The technical implementation flaw occurs when the application constructs file paths using user-controllable input without proper validation mechanisms to prevent directory navigation sequences such as "../" or similar constructs. The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file access, as it can potentially lead to unauthorized data exposure, system compromise, and information disclosure. Attackers can exploit this weakness to retrieve configuration files, database credentials, source code, or other sensitive system artifacts that may contain authentication tokens, encryption keys, or other confidential information. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it targets the administrative interface, which typically contains elevated privileges and access to critical system components. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability aligns with T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and T1566 (Phishing with Malicious Attachment) as attackers may use the discovered information to further compromise the system or deliver additional payloads.
The exploitation of CVE-2018-20610 requires minimal technical sophistication and can be automated through various penetration testing tools or custom scripts that manipulate the efile parameter to traverse directory structures. Successful exploitation typically involves crafting malicious input that includes directory traversal sequences to access files outside the intended web root directory. The vulnerability affects organizations that have not applied the relevant security patches or updates to their imcat installations, leaving them susceptible to unauthorized access and potential data breaches. Organizations using this content management system should immediately assess their deployment configurations and verify that the administrative interface is properly secured. The impact of this vulnerability can range from information disclosure to complete system compromise depending on the sensitivity of files accessible through the traversal mechanism. Mitigation strategies include implementing proper input validation and sanitization for all user-controllable parameters, applying the latest security patches provided by the imcat developers, restricting access to administrative interfaces through network segmentation, and implementing web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious traversal attempts. Additionally, organizations should conduct regular security assessments and maintain up-to-date vulnerability management processes to prevent similar issues from occurring in other components of their web infrastructure.