CVE-2018-20795 in Responsive FileManager
Summary
by MITRE
tecrail Responsive FileManager 9.13.4 allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via path traversal with the path parameter, through the copy_cut action in ajax_calls.php and the paste_clipboard action in execute.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/12/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-20795 affects tecrail Responsive FileManager version 9.13.4, representing a critical path traversal flaw that enables remote attackers to access arbitrary files on the affected system. This vulnerability exists within the file management functionality of the application, specifically targeting the copy_cut action in ajax_calls.php and the paste_clipboard action in execute.php. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization of the path parameter, allowing malicious actors to manipulate file paths through directory traversal sequences such as ../ or ..\ to navigate outside the intended directory boundaries. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. These attacks exploit the lack of proper input validation to access files that should normally be restricted, potentially exposing sensitive system information, configuration files, or user data.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it provides attackers with unauthorized access to the file system of the affected server. Remote attackers can leverage this flaw to read sensitive files including but not limited to configuration files, database credentials, application source code, user data, and system logs. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it requires no authentication, making it accessible to anyone who can reach the vulnerable application. The vulnerability allows for arbitrary file reading, which can lead to complete system compromise when combined with other exploitation techniques. Attackers can use this capability to gather intelligence about the system, extract credentials, or even download malicious payloads that could be used for further attacks. The flaw affects the core file management operations of the application, making it a high-impact vulnerability that could lead to data breaches, system compromise, or unauthorized access to sensitive information.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-20795 should include immediate patching of the affected software to the latest version that addresses the path traversal vulnerability. Organizations should implement proper input validation and sanitization measures to prevent directory traversal attacks, ensuring that all user-supplied path parameters are properly validated against a whitelist of allowed directories. The application should enforce strict access controls and implement proper authorization checks to ensure that users can only access files within their designated directories. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and security monitoring systems can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083, which describes discovering file and directory permissions on compromised systems, and T1566, which covers the exploitation of vulnerabilities to gain initial access. Organizations should also consider implementing principle of least privilege access controls, regular security audits of file management functionalities, and comprehensive logging of file access operations to detect potential abuse of this vulnerability. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar path traversal issues in other applications and systems within the network infrastructure.