CVE-2019-9610 in OFCMS
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered in OFCMS before 1.1.3. It has admin/cms/template/getTemplates.html?res_path=res&up_dir=../ directory traversal, related to the getTemplates function in TemplateController.java.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/29/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-9610 affects OFCMS versions prior to 1.1.3 and represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the administrative template management component. This issue exists in the getTemplates function located within TemplateController.java, specifically in the admin/cms/template/getTemplates.html endpoint. The vulnerability allows unauthorized attackers to access arbitrary files on the server by manipulating the res_path and up_dir parameters, creating a path traversal condition that bypasses normal access controls.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the TemplateController.java file. When the getTemplates function processes the up_dir parameter with a value of "../", it fails to properly validate or sanitize the user-supplied input before constructing file system paths. This lack of proper input filtering enables attackers to navigate upward through the directory structure and access files outside the intended template directories. The vulnerability is classified as CWE-22, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as directory traversal or path traversal attacks. The flaw operates at the application layer where user input directly influences file system operations without adequate security controls.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a severe risk to organizations utilizing OFCMS, as it allows attackers to potentially access sensitive system files, configuration data, and administrative resources. An attacker could exploit this weakness to retrieve database connection strings, administrative credentials, application source code, or other confidential information stored in directories above the intended template path. The impact extends beyond simple information disclosure, as successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise through access to administrative functions and potentially enable further attacks within the network infrastructure. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and T1566 (Phishing for Information) as attackers can use directory traversal to discover system files and gather intelligence for more sophisticated attacks.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including upgrading to OFCMS version 1.1.3 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address this directory traversal vulnerability. Additionally, implementing proper input validation and sanitization measures within the TemplateController.java file is essential, particularly for all parameters that influence file system operations. Network-level defenses such as web application firewalls should be configured to detect and block suspicious path traversal patterns in URL parameters. The implementation of principle of least privilege access controls for administrative functions, combined with regular security audits of file system permissions, will further reduce the attack surface. Organizations should also conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify similar directory traversal issues in other components of their web applications, as this type of vulnerability frequently appears in legacy systems where proper input validation was not implemented.