CVE-2019-14768 in YellowBox CRM
Summary
by MITRE
An Arbitrary File Upload issue in the file browser of DIMO YellowBox CRM before 6.3.4 allows a standard authenticated user to deploy a new WebApp WAR file to the Tomcat server via Path Traversal, allowing remote code execution with SYSTEM privileges.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/25/2024
The vulnerability CVE-2019-14768 represents a critical arbitrary file upload flaw in the DIMO YellowBox CRM application affecting versions prior to 6.3.4. This security weakness resides within the file browser component of the web application, which permits authenticated users to upload files without proper validation mechanisms. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input sanitization and inadequate path traversal protections that allow attackers to manipulate file upload destinations. The flaw specifically enables attackers to deploy malicious Web Application Archive (WAR) files to the underlying Tomcat server infrastructure, creating a severe escalation path for malicious actors who have already gained standard user authentication credentials.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability involves a path traversal attack that allows the authenticated user to bypass normal file upload restrictions and place malicious WAR files in directories accessible by the Tomcat server. When the Tomcat server processes these uploaded WAR files, it automatically deploys them as web applications, effectively granting the attacker remote code execution capabilities with SYSTEM privileges. This occurs because the WAR file deployment process executes with the same privileges as the Tomcat service itself, which typically runs with elevated system permissions. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-434 which describes insecure file upload vulnerabilities where applications fail to properly validate or restrict file types and upload locations. The attack chain demonstrates how a seemingly minor authentication bypass can lead to complete system compromise through the exploitation of server-side file handling mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple unauthorized file access, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected server infrastructure. Once a malicious WAR file is successfully deployed, the attacker can execute arbitrary code, access all system resources, and potentially escalate privileges further to compromise other systems within the network. The vulnerability affects organizations that rely on DIMO YellowBox CRM for customer relationship management, making it particularly dangerous for businesses handling sensitive customer data. The fact that this requires only standard authenticated user credentials makes the attack surface significantly larger, as many organizations assume that standard users pose minimal risk to their systems. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 which covers exploit for client execution through web applications, and T1059 which covers command and scripting interpreter for remote code execution.
Organizations should immediately implement multiple layers of defense to mitigate this vulnerability including updating to DIMO YellowBox CRM version 6.3.4 or later, which contains the necessary security patches. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to restrict access to the application's file upload functionality, while additional input validation should be enforced at the application level to prevent path traversal attempts. The implementation of web application firewalls and runtime application self-protection mechanisms can provide additional detection and prevention capabilities. Regular security assessments should include testing for similar path traversal vulnerabilities in other web applications, as this represents a common pattern in web application security flaws. System administrators should also implement monitoring for suspicious file upload activities and ensure that Tomcat server configurations restrict deployment permissions to only authorized administrators. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of proper input validation and the principle of least privilege in web application development, particularly when dealing with file upload functionality that can directly impact server-side operations and system integrity.