CVE-2019-7305 in eXtplorer
Summary
by MITRE
Information Exposure vulnerability in eXtplorer makes the /usr/ and /etc/extplorer/ system directories world-accessible over HTTP. Introduced in the Makefile patch file debian/patches/debian-changes-2.1.0b6+dfsg-1 or debian/patches/adds-a-makefile.patch, this can lead to data leakage, information disclosure and potentially remote code execution on the web server. This issue affects all versions of eXtplorer in Ubuntu and Debian
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/18/2024
The CVE-2019-7305 vulnerability represents a critical information exposure flaw in eXtplorer, a web-based file manager that has been widely deployed across ubuntu and debian systems. This vulnerability stems from improper directory permissions that inadvertently make sensitive system directories accessible over HTTP protocols. The flaw was introduced through patch files within the debian packaging, specifically in either debian/patches/debian-changes-2.1.0b6+dfsg-1 or debian/patches/adds-a-makefile.patch, which modified the installation and configuration processes of the application. The root cause of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which addresses information exposure through improper access control mechanisms.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows attackers to directly access system directories through HTTP requests, specifically targeting /usr/ and /etc/extplorer/ paths that should remain protected within the server's file system. When these directories become world-accessible, they expose sensitive configuration files, system binaries, and potentially authentication credentials that could be leveraged for further compromise. The exposure occurs because the patch files failed to properly secure these directories during the installation process, creating a persistent access vector that remains active throughout the application's runtime. This issue demonstrates a fundamental failure in privilege separation and access control implementation within the software deployment lifecycle.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it creates potential pathways for more severe compromise. Attackers can leverage the exposed directories to gather intelligence about the target system, potentially identifying system configurations, user accounts, and installed applications that could inform subsequent attack phases. The exposure of system directories may also reveal sensitive configuration files that contain database credentials, API keys, or other authentication tokens. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and T1566 (Phishing with Malicious Attachments) as attackers can use the disclosed information to craft more targeted attacks. The potential for remote code execution exists when attackers can identify and manipulate system files within the exposed directories, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where eXtplorer is used for file management.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-7305 require immediate attention through multiple defensive layers. System administrators should first ensure that all affected eXtplorer installations are updated to versions that properly secure system directories during installation. The patch files that introduced this vulnerability must be identified and either reverted or modified to enforce proper directory permissions. Network-level protections should include implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block access attempts to sensitive system paths, while also configuring proper access controls at the web server level to prevent direct HTTP access to system directories. Additionally, organizations should conduct thorough security audits to identify any other applications or services that may have been similarly compromised through improper file permissions. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper privilege separation and access control mechanisms, which aligns with security standards such as NIST SP 800-53 and ISO 27001 requirements for information security controls. Regular monitoring and automated scanning should be implemented to detect similar misconfigurations in other applications and services that may present similar exposure risks.