CVE-2020-10459 in PHPKB Standard Multi-Language
Summary
by MITRE
Path Traversal in admin/assetmanager/assetmanager.php (vulnerable function saved in admin/assetmanager/functions.php) in Chadha PHPKB Standard Multi-Language 9 allows attackers to list the files that are stored on the webserver using a dot-dot-slash sequence (../) via the POST parameter inpCurrFolder.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/14/2024
This vulnerability represents a critical path traversal flaw in the Chadha PHPKB Standard Multi-Language version 9 content management system. The vulnerability exists within the administrative asset management functionality where the application fails to properly validate user-supplied input when processing file operations. Specifically, the vulnerable function located in admin/assetmanager/functions.php does not adequately sanitize the inpCurrFolder parameter that is received through POST requests, allowing malicious actors to manipulate directory paths using standard dot-dot-slash sequences. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it enables attackers to enumerate and potentially access files stored on the web server's file system beyond the intended directory boundaries.
The technical implementation of this flaw demonstrates a classic lack of input validation and proper path sanitization mechanisms. When an attacker submits a crafted POST request containing a path traversal sequence such as ../ in the inpCurrFolder parameter, the application processes this input without sufficient validation, resulting in directory traversal behavior. This allows unauthorized access to files that should remain protected within the web server's directory structure. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited through simple HTTP POST requests, making it particularly accessible to attackers with minimal technical expertise. The flaw 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 operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file enumeration, as it could potentially allow attackers to access sensitive configuration files, database credentials, application source code, or other confidential information stored on the web server. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to gain insights into the application's architecture, potentially identifying additional vulnerabilities or access points. The implications are particularly severe in multi-language content management systems where sensitive data might be stored in various directories, including configuration files, user data, or application logs. This vulnerability could enable attackers to escalate their privileges or conduct more sophisticated attacks by accessing system files that contain critical information about the underlying infrastructure.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability should focus on implementing robust input validation and proper path sanitization mechanisms. The application should enforce strict validation of all user-supplied input, particularly parameters used in file operations, by implementing whitelisting approaches or comprehensive path normalization techniques. Organizations should ensure that the application validates directory paths against a predefined set of allowed directories and rejects any input containing traversal sequences. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and privilege separation can help limit the damage from successful exploitation attempts. The recommended approach aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083, which involves discovering system information through file and directory listing operations, but in this case the vulnerability enables unauthorized access rather than just enumeration. Regular security assessments and code reviews focusing on input validation practices should be implemented to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being introduced in future releases.