CVE-2020-19304 in MetInfo
Summary
by MITRE • 08/04/2021
An issue in /admin/index.php?n=system&c=filept&a=doGetFileList of Metinfo v7.0.0 allows attackers to perform a directory traversal and access sensitive information.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/07/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-19304 affects Metinfo v7.0.0 and represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the administrative interface. This weakness exists in the filept module where the doGetFileList function processes user input without proper validation, creating an avenue for attackers to manipulate file path parameters. The vulnerability manifests specifically within the URL path /admin/index.php?n=system&c=filept&a=doGetFileList, where the application fails to sanitize input parameters that control file system access operations. This directory traversal vulnerability enables unauthorized users to access files outside the intended directory structure, potentially exposing sensitive system information including configuration files, database credentials, and other confidential data.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and improper access control mechanisms within the Metinfo content management system. When the application processes the file listing request, it directly incorporates user-supplied parameters into file system operations without sufficient sanitization or path validation. This flaw allows attackers to craft malicious requests using directory traversal sequences such as ../ or ..\ to navigate outside the designated file access boundaries. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited through simple HTTP requests, making it particularly dangerous as it requires minimal technical expertise to execute successfully. According to CWE classification, this represents a CWE-22: Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal') vulnerability, which is a well-documented weakness that has been consistently exploited across various web applications and platforms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with the ability to access potentially sensitive system components that could lead to further exploitation. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could gain access to system configuration files containing database connection strings, encryption keys, and other administrative credentials. This access could enable privilege escalation attacks, allowing unauthorized users to gain administrative control over the affected system. The vulnerability also poses significant risks to data confidentiality and integrity, as it may expose not only system files but also user data and application source code that could reveal additional attack vectors. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with T1083: File and Directory Discovery and T1566: Phishing, as it enables attackers to gather system information that could be used for more sophisticated attacks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-19304 should prioritize immediate patching of the affected Metinfo v7.0.0 installation to address the directory traversal vulnerability. Organizations should implement input validation mechanisms that sanitize all user-supplied parameters before processing file system operations, ensuring that path traversal sequences are properly filtered or rejected. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls can provide additional defense-in-depth measures by monitoring for suspicious directory traversal patterns in incoming requests. Access control measures should be strengthened to limit administrative privileges and ensure that only authorized personnel can access the vulnerable administrative interface. Regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities within the application codebase. System administrators should also implement proper logging and monitoring to detect suspicious file access patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of input validation and proper access controls in web applications, as these fundamental security measures prevent many common attack vectors that target directory traversal weaknesses in content management systems and web applications.