CVE-2019-11397 in RapidFlows Enterprise Application Builder
Summary
by MITRE
GetFile.aspx in Rapid4 RapidFlows Enterprise Application Builder 4.5M.23 (when used with .NET Framework 4.5) allows Local File Inclusion via the FileDesc parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/12/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-11397 resides within the Rapid4 RapidFlows Enterprise Application Builder version 4.5M.23, specifically affecting the GetFile.aspx component when operating in conjunction with the .NET Framework 4.5. This represents a critical local file inclusion vulnerability that enables malicious actors to access sensitive files on the server filesystem through improper input validation mechanisms. The flaw manifests through the FileDesc parameter, which is processed without adequate sanitization or validation, creating an attack vector that could potentially expose confidential data, system configuration files, or application source code.
This vulnerability falls under the CWE-22 category of Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory, commonly known as Path Traversal or Directory Traversal. The attack exploits the absence of proper input validation and sanitization within the GetFile.aspx component, allowing an attacker to manipulate the FileDesc parameter to navigate through the file system hierarchy. When the .NET Framework processes this unvalidated parameter, it fails to properly restrict file access to the intended directories, enabling arbitrary file access. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the local file system level, meaning that successful exploitation could allow attackers to read system files, configuration data, or even application source code that may contain sensitive information such as database credentials or cryptographic keys.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it could enable attackers to escalate their privileges and potentially achieve full system compromise. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to access sensitive files such as web.config files that often contain database connection strings, encryption keys, or other critical system information. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous when the application is deployed in enterprise environments where the .NET Framework 4.5 is used, as it provides attackers with a direct path to access files that may contain authentication credentials, business logic, or other sensitive information. The local nature of this vulnerability means that exploitation typically requires an attacker to already have some level of access to the system, though this initial access could be achieved through other means such as phishing or exploitation of other vulnerabilities in the application stack.
Security mitigations for CVE-2019-11397 should focus on implementing robust input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the GetFile.aspx component. The application should enforce strict path validation to ensure that the FileDesc parameter only references files within predetermined directories and that no directory traversal sequences such as ../ or ..\ are permitted. Implementing proper access controls and privilege separation would further reduce the impact of any successful exploitation attempts. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious path traversal patterns. The remediation process should include thorough code review to identify other potential vulnerable components within the Rapid4 RapidFlows application that may be susceptible to similar issues. Security teams should also ensure that all .NET Framework components are updated to the latest versions and that proper security hardening practices are implemented across the entire application stack. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and T1071.004 (Application Layer Protocol: DNS) when considering the broader attack surface and potential reconnaissance activities that could precede exploitation.