CVE-2018-3766 in Buttle Module
Summary
by MITRE
Path traversal in buttle module versions <= 0.2.0 allows to read any file in the server.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/25/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-3766 represents a critical path traversal flaw within the buttle module, affecting versions 0.2.0 and earlier. This security weakness resides in the module's handling of file paths during processing operations, creating an avenue for unauthorized access to sensitive server resources. The buttle module, designed for specific file manipulation tasks, fails to properly validate or sanitize user-supplied input that influences file system operations, enabling attackers to exploit this weakness through crafted input sequences.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the buttle module's file handling routines. When processing user-provided data that contains file path references, the module does not adequately filter or normalize path components, allowing malicious actors to inject sequences such as "../" or similar path manipulation constructs. This flaw 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. The vulnerability essentially permits attackers to bypass normal access controls and navigate the file system hierarchy to access files outside the intended scope of the application's operations.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-3766 extends beyond simple unauthorized file access, potentially enabling attackers to retrieve sensitive system information, configuration files, credentials, or other critical data stored on the server. Depending on the server's configuration and the privileges of the buttle module's execution context, successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise or data exfiltration. The vulnerability affects any system running affected versions of the buttle module, making it particularly dangerous in environments where this module is deployed without proper network segmentation or access controls. Attackers could leverage this weakness to gather intelligence about the target system, potentially identifying additional vulnerabilities or mapping the server's file structure to plan more sophisticated attacks.
Organizations utilizing the buttle module should immediately upgrade to versions that address this vulnerability, as no effective mitigations exist for the affected versions. The recommended approach involves applying the vendor-supplied patches or upgrading to the latest stable release that contains proper input validation and sanitization measures. Security teams should also implement network monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts and consider restricting access to systems running vulnerable versions of the buttle module. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with techniques categorized under T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and T1566 (Phishing with Malicious Attachments), as attackers could use path traversal to discover sensitive files or gain access to system resources. Additionally, the vulnerability contributes to broader attack chains involving privilege escalation and lateral movement within compromised environments, making prompt remediation essential for maintaining overall security posture.