CVE-2022-31966 in ChatBot App with Suggestion
Summary
by MITRE • 06/02/2022
ChatBot App with Suggestion v1.0 is vulnerable to Delete any file via /simple_chat_bot/classes/Master.php?f=delete_img.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/05/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-31966 affects the ChatBot App with Suggestion v1.0, specifically targeting the file deletion functionality within the Master.php class. This issue represents a critical path traversal and arbitrary file deletion vulnerability that allows unauthorized attackers to remove any file on the server system. The vulnerability exists in the parameter handling mechanism where the f=delete_img parameter directly influences file operations without proper input validation or access controls. The affected application appears to lack proper authentication checks and file path sanitization, creating an exploitable condition that could lead to complete system compromise. This vulnerability is particularly dangerous as it enables attackers to delete critical system files, configuration files, or even executable components that could result in service disruption or complete system takeover.
The technical flaw manifests through improper parameter validation within the Master.php file where user-supplied input is directly used in file deletion operations. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-22 Path Traversal and CWE-77 Path Traversal attacks, where insufficient input sanitization allows attackers to manipulate file paths. The application fails to implement proper access control mechanisms, authentication checks, or file path validation before executing file deletion operations. Attackers can exploit this by crafting malicious requests that manipulate the f parameter to target files outside the intended directory structure, potentially reaching system-critical files. The absence of proper input filtering and output encoding creates an environment where attackers can execute arbitrary file deletion commands, making this a severe privilege escalation vulnerability.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-31966 extends beyond simple file deletion, as it represents a potential gateway for more sophisticated attacks within the system. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to remove critical application files, configuration data, or even system binaries that would render the application unusable or compromise the underlying infrastructure. This vulnerability can be exploited to create persistent backdoors, remove security patches, or disable monitoring tools that protect the system. The attack surface increases significantly when considering that this vulnerability could be combined with other exploits to achieve remote code execution or data exfiltration. Organizations using this application face potential data loss, service disruption, and potential compliance violations if sensitive data is stored on systems vulnerable to this attack vector.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-31966 should focus on implementing robust input validation, access control mechanisms, and proper authentication protocols. The application must validate all user-supplied input parameters and implement strict file path validation to prevent directory traversal attacks. Organizations should implement proper authentication checks before allowing any file operations to execute, ensuring that only authorized users can access the file deletion functionality. The code should sanitize all input parameters and restrict file operations to predefined safe directories. Additionally, implementing the principle of least privilege, logging all file operations, and conducting regular security audits can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and implementing proper error handling to prevent information disclosure that could aid attackers in exploiting similar vulnerabilities. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious file deletion patterns and potential exploitation attempts.