CVE-2019-9611 in OFCMS
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered in OFCMS before 1.1.3. It allows admin/cms/template/getTemplates.html?res_path=res directory traversal, with ../ in the dir parameter, to write arbitrary content (in the file_content parameter) into an arbitrary file (specified by the file_name parameter). This is related to the save function in TemplateController.java.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/29/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-9611 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the OFCMS (Open Source Content Management System) version 1.1.2 and earlier. This vulnerability exists in the admin/cms/template/getTemplates.html endpoint which processes file operations through the TemplateController.java component. The issue arises from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly restrict user-supplied directory paths, creating an exploitable condition that allows attackers to manipulate file system operations through crafted HTTP parameters.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the improper handling of the dir parameter in the file traversal request. When an attacker submits a directory path containing ../ sequences in the dir parameter, combined with malicious content in the file_content parameter and a target filename in the file_name parameter, the system fails to validate or sanitize these inputs before executing file system operations. This allows the attacker to navigate outside the intended directory boundaries and write content to arbitrary locations on the server's file system. The vulnerability specifically affects the save function within TemplateController.java, where the application directly uses user-supplied parameters without adequate security controls.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, representing a privilege escalation vector that can lead to complete system compromise. An authenticated administrator with access to the cms template management interface can leverage this vulnerability to write arbitrary files to any location on the server, potentially including critical system files, web application binaries, or configuration files. This capability enables attackers to achieve persistent access, install backdoors, modify application behavior, or escalate privileges to gain unauthorized control over the entire content management system. The vulnerability also falls under CWE-22 Directory Traversal, which is classified as a high-risk weakness in the Common Weakness Enumeration catalog, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter, as it enables arbitrary code execution through file manipulation.
The mitigation strategy for CVE-2019-9611 requires immediate implementation of input validation and sanitization controls within the TemplateController.java component. Organizations should implement strict parameter validation that rejects or filters out directory traversal sequences such as ../, ..\, and similar patterns before any file system operations are executed. Additionally, the application should enforce proper access controls and privilege separation, ensuring that file operations are restricted to predefined safe directories only. The most effective solution involves upgrading to OFCMS version 1.1.3 or later, which includes proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms. Security patches should also include implementing proper file system access controls, logging all file operations, and conducting regular security audits of file handling components to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in other parts of the application. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and runtime application self-protection mechanisms to detect and prevent exploitation attempts.