CVE-2019-16679 in Gila
Summary
by MITRE
Gila CMS before 1.11.1 allows admin/fm/?f=../ directory traversal, leading to Local File Inclusion.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/19/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-16679 affects Gila CMS versions prior to 1.11.1 and represents a critical directory traversal flaw that can be exploited to achieve local file inclusion. This vulnerability resides within the file manager component of the content management system where user input is not properly sanitized before being used to construct file paths. The specific issue occurs when the application processes the f parameter in the URL path admin/fm/?f=../ which allows attackers to manipulate directory navigation and access files outside the intended directory structure. The flaw enables attackers to traverse up the directory hierarchy using the ../ sequence, potentially gaining access to sensitive system files, configuration data, or other restricted resources that should not be accessible through the web interface.
This vulnerability maps directly to CWE-22 which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as directory traversal or path traversal attacks. The technical implementation of this flaw demonstrates a classic lack of input validation where the application fails to properly sanitize user-supplied path information before using it in file operations. The vulnerability exists because the application does not adequately validate or filter the f parameter to prevent directory traversal sequences from being processed. Attackers can leverage this weakness to access files that contain sensitive information such as database credentials, application configuration files, or other system-level data that should remain protected from unauthorized access. The impact is particularly severe because the vulnerability affects the administrative interface, potentially allowing full compromise of the CMS instance.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure to include potential system compromise and unauthorized access to administrative functions. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can gain access to sensitive files that may contain database connection strings, encryption keys, or other credentials that could be used to escalate privileges or move laterally within the system. The local file inclusion aspect means that attackers could potentially execute arbitrary code if they can place malicious files in accessible directories or if the application processes the included files as code rather than static content. This vulnerability is particularly dangerous in environments where the CMS is used to manage sensitive data or where the administrative interface is accessible from untrusted networks. The attack surface is further expanded because the vulnerability affects the file manager component, which is often used for uploading, editing, and managing content files, making it a prime target for exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of the Gila CMS to version 1.11.1 or later where the directory traversal protection has been implemented. Organizations should also implement proper input validation and sanitization for all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in file operations or path construction. The implementation of proper access controls and least privilege principles should be enforced to limit the damage that could occur even if the vulnerability is exploited. Security measures should include monitoring for suspicious directory traversal attempts and implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block such patterns. Additionally, regular security audits should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the CMS or related applications, as directory traversal flaws are common across many web applications and content management systems. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and implementing proper parameter validation as outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and other industry security standards.