CVE-2019-19372 in rConfig
Summary
by MITRE
** DISPUTED ** A downloadFile.php download_file path traversal vulnerability in rConfig through 3.9.3 allows attackers to list files in arbitrary folders and potentially download files. NOTE: the discoverer later reported that there was not a "fully working exploit."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/05/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-19372 represents a path traversal issue within the rConfig network configuration management platform version 3.9.3 and earlier. This flaw exists in the downloadFile.php component which handles file download operations, creating an opportunity for attackers to manipulate file paths and access unauthorized directories on the server. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization of user-supplied parameters that control the file download functionality. According to the initial report, attackers could potentially enumerate directory contents and download files from arbitrary locations on the system, though the discoverer later clarified that a fully functional exploit was not demonstrated.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the improper handling of file path parameters within the downloadFile.php script. When users attempt to download files through the web interface, the application accepts user input without adequate validation, allowing malicious actors to inject directory traversal sequences such as ../ or ..\ into the file path parameters. This weakness enables attackers to navigate beyond the intended download directory and access sensitive files that should remain protected. The vulnerability is classified as a path traversal issue, which aligns with CWE-22 - Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal') and represents a fundamental flaw in input sanitization and access control mechanisms.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to organizations relying on rConfig for network configuration management. The ability to list arbitrary directories and potentially download confidential files could expose sensitive network configurations, authentication credentials, system files, and other critical data. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to gain insights into the network infrastructure, identify potential targets for further exploitation, and extract valuable information that could be used in subsequent attacks. The impact extends beyond simple data exposure to potentially enabling privilege escalation or lateral movement within the network environment. Organizations using affected versions of rConfig face the risk of unauthorized access to their configuration management systems, which could compromise the integrity and confidentiality of their network infrastructure.
Security practitioners should consider implementing multiple layers of mitigation for this vulnerability. The most effective immediate solution involves upgrading to a patched version of rConfig that addresses the path traversal flaw. Until such an upgrade is possible, administrators should implement strict input validation and sanitization measures within the downloadFile.php script, ensuring that all user-supplied file path parameters are properly validated against a whitelist of allowed directories. Network segmentation and access controls should be strengthened to limit access to the download functionality to only authorized personnel. Additionally, monitoring and logging of file access activities should be enhanced to detect suspicious access patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and access control in web applications, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1078 - Valid Accounts and T1566 - Phishing, as attackers may use such vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access to system resources and potentially escalate privileges within the network environment.