CVE-2019-6500 in File Transfer Direct
Summary
by MITRE
In Axway File Transfer Direct 2.7.1, an unauthenticated Directory Traversal vulnerability can be exploited by issuing a specially crafted HTTP GET request with %2e instead of '.' characters, as demonstrated by an initial /h2hdocumentation//%2e%2e/ substring.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/04/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-6500 affects Axway File Transfer Direct version 2.7.1 and represents a critical directory traversal flaw that allows attackers to access arbitrary files on the affected system. This vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation within the HTTP request processing mechanism, specifically when handling directory path components that utilize percent-encoded characters. The flaw manifests when an attacker crafts a malicious HTTP GET request that substitutes standard dot characters with their percent-encoded equivalents %2e, enabling unauthorized access to files outside the intended directory structure.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability operates through the manipulation of HTTP request paths where the application fails to properly sanitize or validate path components before processing them. When the system encounters the encoded path sequence %2e%2e/ which translates to ../, it does not adequately verify that the traversal attempts remain within the intended application boundaries. This allows an attacker to navigate through the file system hierarchy and potentially access sensitive configuration files, log files, or other system resources that should remain protected from unauthorized access. The vulnerability specifically leverages the HTTP GET request method, making it exploitable through simple web browser interactions or automated tools without requiring authentication credentials.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability poses significant security risks to organizations utilizing Axway File Transfer Direct 2.7.1 as it can lead to complete system compromise and data exfiltration. An attacker could potentially access sensitive information including system configurations, user credentials, or business-critical data stored within the application's file system. The unauthenticated nature of the exploit means that any individual with access to the network can attempt to exploit this vulnerability, amplifying the potential impact. Additionally, the vulnerability may enable further exploitation pathways such as privilege escalation or lateral movement within the network environment.
Security professionals should consider this vulnerability in the context of CWE-22, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a technique under T1083 - File and Directory Discovery, where adversaries attempt to gather information about the file system structure. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the vendor-provided patches, implementing network-level restrictions to prevent access to the vulnerable application, and deploying web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious path traversal attempts. Regular security assessments and input validation reviews should be conducted to prevent similar vulnerabilities in other applications within the organization's infrastructure.