CVE-2019-4423 in Sterling File Gateway
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Sterling File Gateway 2.2.0.0 through 6.0.1.0 could allow a remote attacker to traverse directories on the system. An attacker could send a specially-crafted URL request containing "dot dot" sequences (/../) to view arbitrary files on the system. IBM X-Force ID: 162769.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/29/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-4423 affects IBM Sterling File Gateway versions 2.2.0.0 through 6.0.1.0, representing a critical directory traversal flaw that enables remote attackers to access unauthorized system files. This security weakness stems from insufficient input validation within the application's URL handling mechanism, allowing malicious actors to exploit path traversal sequences using standard dot-dot notation. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the system processes requests containing "../" sequences in URLs, which should normally be rejected or properly sanitized by the application's security controls.
The technical implementation of this flaw involves the application's failure to adequately sanitize user-supplied input that forms part of file path requests. When a malicious user crafts a URL containing directory traversal sequences, the system processes these requests without proper validation, allowing the attacker to navigate beyond the intended file system boundaries. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The flaw essentially permits an attacker to access files that should be restricted, potentially exposing sensitive data, configuration files, or system resources that are not intended to be publicly accessible.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized file access, as it can provide attackers with a foothold for further exploitation within the system environment. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could potentially access sensitive business data, system configuration files, or even execute arbitrary code depending on the system's file permissions and the nature of the exposed files. The remote nature of this attack means that no local system access is required, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited from any location with network connectivity to the affected system. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083, which covers discovering file and directory permissions, and T1566, which covers credential access through various attack vectors including path traversal.
Organizations utilizing IBM Sterling File Gateway versions within the affected range face significant security risks from this vulnerability, as it could lead to data breaches, intellectual property exposure, and potential system compromise. The impact is particularly severe for environments where the file gateway handles sensitive business documents, customer data, or proprietary information. IBM has addressed this vulnerability through appropriate software updates and patches, and organizations should immediately implement these security updates to mitigate the risk. Additional mitigations include implementing web application firewalls, restricting network access to the affected system, and configuring proper input validation rules to prevent similar attacks on other applications within the environment. Security monitoring should also be enhanced to detect suspicious URL patterns and directory traversal attempts that could indicate exploitation attempts against this vulnerability.