CVE-2018-6910 in DeDeCMS
Summary
by MITRE
DedeCMS 5.7 allows remote attackers to discover the full path via a direct request for include/downmix.inc.php or inc/inc_archives_functions.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/04/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-6910 affects DedeCMS version 5.7, a widely used content management system that powers numerous websites across various industries. This security flaw represents a path disclosure vulnerability that occurs when remote attackers can directly access specific PHP include files within the application's directory structure. The affected files include include/downmix.inc.php and inc/inc_archives_functions.php, which when accessed directly can reveal the full server path information to unauthorized users. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of information disclosure, where sensitive system information is inadvertently exposed to attackers who may not have legitimate access to the application's internal structure.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and access control mechanisms within the DedeCMS framework. When attackers make direct requests to the specified include files, the application fails to properly authenticate or authorize these requests, allowing the server to return the complete file path information in error responses or direct output. This occurs because the system does not enforce proper access controls for these internal include files, treating them as publicly accessible resources rather than protected internal components. The flaw demonstrates poor security architecture where internal system paths are exposed through improper handling of file inclusion requests, creating a potential information leak that can be exploited for further attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with critical system information that can be leveraged for more sophisticated exploitation techniques. When full server paths are disclosed, attackers can gain insights into the application's directory structure, file locations, and potentially identify other vulnerabilities through path-based reconnaissance. This information can be particularly valuable for attackers planning directory traversal attacks, local file inclusion exploits, or other advanced penetration testing techniques. The vulnerability can be classified under CWE-209, which specifically addresses "Information Exposure Through an Error Message" and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1212, "Exploitation for Credential Access," as the disclosed paths may aid in credential harvesting or privilege escalation attempts.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper access controls and input validation mechanisms within the DedeCMS application. System administrators should ensure that internal include files are not directly accessible through web requests by modifying web server configurations or implementing proper authentication checks. The recommended approach includes configuring web server access controls to prevent direct access to sensitive include files, implementing proper input validation to reject unauthorized requests, and ensuring that all internal application components are properly protected from external access. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious access patterns targeting internal files, as well as regularly updating the DedeCMS installation to the latest security patches. This vulnerability highlights the importance of proper security configuration and access control implementation in web applications, emphasizing that even seemingly minor flaws can provide attackers with valuable reconnaissance information that can lead to more serious security breaches.