CVE-2020-5840 in HashBrown
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered in HashBrown CMS before 1.3.2. Server/Entity/Resource/Connection.js allows an attacker to reach a parent directory via a crafted name or ID field.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/19/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-5840 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within HashBrown CMS versions prior to 1.3.2. This security weakness resides in the Server/Entity/Resource/Connection.js component of the application, which fails to properly validate user-supplied input when processing name or ID fields. The flaw enables attackers to manipulate file system access by crafting specific input values that allow them to navigate to parent directories beyond the intended scope of the application's resource handling mechanisms.
This directory traversal vulnerability operates through the manipulation of input parameters that are directly used in file system operations without adequate sanitization or validation. When an attacker submits a crafted name or ID field containing directory traversal sequences such as ../ or ..\, the application processes these inputs without proper restrictions, allowing unauthorized access to files and directories that should remain protected within the application's designated boundaries. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and improper path handling within the resource connection module, creating a pathway for attackers to bypass normal access controls and potentially access sensitive system files or data.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized file access, as it provides attackers with the capability to escalate their privileges and potentially execute arbitrary code on the affected system. An attacker could leverage this flaw to access configuration files, database credentials, application source code, or other sensitive resources stored on the server. The vulnerability also poses significant risks to data integrity and confidentiality, as it may enable attackers to modify or delete critical system files, leading to potential system compromise or complete service disruption. Organizations using affected versions of HashBrown CMS face substantial risk of data breaches, system infiltration, and unauthorized access to their digital assets.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-5840 should prioritize immediate patching to version 1.3.2 or later, which addresses the directory traversal vulnerability through proper input validation and sanitization. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation mechanisms that reject or sanitize any input containing directory traversal sequences before processing. The implementation of proper access controls and privilege separation within the application's resource handling components is essential to prevent unauthorized access to system resources. Additionally, network segmentation and monitoring solutions should be deployed to detect and prevent exploitation attempts. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-22 Directory Traversal and follows patterns commonly associated with ATT&CK technique T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter, where attackers leverage application flaws to gain unauthorized access to system resources. Regular security assessments and input validation testing should be conducted to ensure that similar vulnerabilities do not exist in other components of the application stack, maintaining overall system security posture.