CVE-2019-18924 in IRIS WebForms
Summary
by MITRE
Systematic IRIS WebForms 5.4 is vulnerable to directory traversal. By manipulating variables that reference files with ../ (and variations), it is possible to list all the directories and check if a particular file exists.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/13/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-18924 affects Systematic IRIS WebForms version 5.4, representing a critical directory traversal flaw that exposes the underlying file system structure to unauthorized users. This weakness stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the application's file handling processes, allowing malicious actors to manipulate path variables and navigate beyond the intended directory boundaries. The vulnerability specifically leverages the ../ directory traversal sequence and its variations to bypass normal access controls and gain visibility into the server's file system hierarchy. The flaw operates at the application layer where user-supplied input is directly incorporated into file path resolution without proper sanitization or validation checks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic path traversal attack vector where the application fails to properly validate or sanitize file path parameters before processing them. When users provide input containing directory traversal sequences such as ../ or similar variations, the system interprets these as legitimate navigation commands rather than malicious input. This allows attackers to enumerate directory structures, access sensitive files, and potentially retrieve confidential information that should remain protected within the application's secure boundaries. The vulnerability falls under the CWE-22 category of Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory, which is classified as a common weakness in software development practices that fail to properly validate file system access requests.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with a comprehensive view of the application's file system structure and potentially exposes sensitive files that contain credentials, configuration data, or application source code. Attackers can exploit this weakness to perform reconnaissance activities, identify additional vulnerabilities within the system, and potentially escalate their access to other parts of the infrastructure. The ability to check if specific files exist allows for targeted attacks where malicious actors can identify the presence of backup files, configuration files, or other sensitive resources that may contain valuable information for further exploitation. This vulnerability creates a significant risk for organizations relying on the affected system, as it essentially provides an unauthorized window into the server's file system architecture.
Security professionals should implement immediate mitigations including input validation and sanitization mechanisms that properly filter or reject directory traversal sequences in all user-supplied input. The recommended approach involves implementing strict path validation that ensures all file access requests are confined to predefined directories and that any traversal attempts are immediately blocked. Organizations should also consider implementing proper access controls and privilege separation to limit the impact of such vulnerabilities. Additionally, regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in other applications within the infrastructure. The mitigation strategy should align with industry standards such as those recommended by the OWASP Top Ten Project, which emphasizes the importance of proper input validation and secure file handling practices. This vulnerability highlights the critical need for defensive programming practices and the implementation of secure coding guidelines that prevent path traversal attacks from occurring in the first place. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a technique for Directory Traversal, which is commonly used in initial access and reconnaissance phases of cyber attacks, making it a significant concern for enterprise security posture management.