CVE-2020-19147 in Jfinal
Summary
by MITRE • 09/15/2021
Improper Access Control in Jfinal CMS v4.7.1 and earlier allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive infromation via the 'getFolder()' function in the component '/modules/filemanager/FileManager.java'.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/19/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-19147 represents a critical improper access control flaw within Jfinal CMS version 4.7.1 and earlier releases. This issue resides in the file manager component specifically within the FileManager.java file where the getFolder() function fails to properly validate user permissions and authentication credentials. The flaw enables remote attackers to bypass intended access restrictions and retrieve sensitive information that should be protected from unauthorized access. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and authentication checks that allow malicious actors to exploit the file management functionality without proper authorization. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-285 which categorizes improper access control issues, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1213.002 related to data from information repositories, specifically targeting file and directory access controls.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs through the getFolder() method which likely accepts user-provided parameters without sufficient validation of the requesting user's privileges. Attackers can craft malicious requests that manipulate the function parameters to traverse directory structures and access files that should be restricted to authorized users only. The remote nature of this exploit means that attackers do not require physical access to the system or local network privileges to exploit the vulnerability. This flaw particularly affects systems where the Jfinal CMS is deployed with default configurations or where proper user authentication mechanisms have not been adequately implemented. The lack of proper access control validation in the file manager component creates a pathway for information disclosure that can potentially expose sensitive system files, configuration data, or user-related information stored within the application's directory structure.
The operational impact of CVE-2020-19147 extends beyond simple information disclosure as it can provide attackers with valuable reconnaissance data that may lead to further exploitation attempts. The exposed sensitive information could include system configuration files, database connection details, user credentials stored in accessible locations, or application-specific data that could be leveraged for privilege escalation attacks. This vulnerability can significantly compromise the confidentiality and integrity of the affected system, potentially allowing attackers to gain deeper insights into the application's architecture and underlying infrastructure. Organizations running affected versions of Jfinal CMS face increased risk of data breaches, system compromise, and potential regulatory violations due to unauthorized access to sensitive information. The vulnerability also creates opportunities for attackers to identify additional system weaknesses that could be exploited in subsequent attack phases, making it a particularly dangerous flaw in the context of broader security assessments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-19147 should prioritize immediate patching of affected Jfinal CMS installations to version 4.7.2 or later where the access control issues have been addressed. Organizations should implement additional security controls including network segmentation to limit access to the file manager component, proper authentication and authorization mechanisms, and regular security audits of file access permissions. The implementation of web application firewalls can provide additional protection by monitoring and filtering requests to the vulnerable getFolder() function. Security teams should also conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify any other components that might share similar access control weaknesses. Regular security training for developers on secure coding practices and proper input validation techniques can help prevent similar issues in future development cycles. Organizations should also establish robust monitoring and logging mechanisms to detect unauthorized access attempts to sensitive file system resources, enabling rapid response to potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of implementing defense-in-depth strategies and maintaining up-to-date security practices to protect against evolving threats targeting content management systems.