CVE-2021-41714 in Tipask
Summary
by MITRE • 05/23/2022
In Tipask < 3.5.9, path parameters entered by the user are not validated when downloading attachments, a registered user can download arbitrary files on the Tipask server such as .env, /etc/passwd, laravel.log, causing infomation leakage.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/29/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-41714 affects Tipask versions prior to 3.5.9 and represents a critical information disclosure flaw that arises from insufficient validation of path parameters during file download operations. This issue stems from a lack of proper input sanitization mechanisms that should normally prevent unauthorized access to sensitive server files through user-controllable parameters. The vulnerability exists within the attachment download functionality where the application fails to properly validate or sanitize user-provided path inputs before executing file system operations.
This flaw constitutes a directory traversal attack vector that allows authenticated users to exploit improper input validation techniques to access arbitrary files on the server filesystem. The vulnerability specifically impacts the file download mechanism where path parameters are directly processed without adequate sanitization or access control checks. Attackers can leverage this weakness to retrieve sensitive configuration files such as .env files containing database credentials, application secrets, and other critical environment variables that are typically protected from unauthorized access. The vulnerability also enables access to system files like /etc/passwd and application logs such as laravel.log which may contain additional sensitive information including user credentials, database connection strings, and error details that could aid in further exploitation attempts.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it provides attackers with comprehensive access to sensitive server information that could lead to complete system compromise. An authenticated user can exploit this vulnerability to gain insights into the application's configuration, database structure, and potential security weaknesses within the system. The information leakage could include database connection details, API keys, cryptographic keys, and other sensitive data that may enable attackers to escalate privileges, access additional systems, or conduct further reconnaissance. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-22 - Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1213.002 - Data from Information Repositories, specifically targeting the extraction of sensitive configuration and log files.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include implementing proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms that restrict file access to legitimate paths within the application's intended directory structure. The fix should involve implementing a whitelist approach for file paths, ensuring that all user-provided paths are validated against a predefined set of acceptable directories and files. Additionally, the application should enforce strict access controls that prevent traversal beyond designated directories and implement proper authentication and authorization checks for file operations. Organizations should also consider implementing proper logging and monitoring of file access operations to detect and respond to unauthorized file access attempts. The patch for this vulnerability in Tipask version 3.5.9 should include comprehensive input validation that prevents path traversal attacks and ensures that all file operations occur within controlled and secure directories, thereby preventing unauthorized access to system files and sensitive application data.