CVE-2022-36593 in kkFileView
Summary
by MITRE • 09/02/2022
kkFileView v4.0.0 was discovered to contain an arbitrary file deletion vulnerability via the fileName parameter at /controller/FileController.java.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/11/2022
The kkFileView application version 4.0.0 presents a critical arbitrary file deletion vulnerability that stems from insufficient input validation within the FileController.java component. This flaw allows attackers to manipulate the fileName parameter and execute unauthorized deletion operations on arbitrary files within the system's file structure. The vulnerability exists due to the application's failure to properly sanitize user-supplied input before processing file operations, creating a direct path for malicious actors to target sensitive system files or user data. The issue manifests in the controller layer where file names are directly accepted from HTTP parameters without adequate authorization checks or path validation mechanisms. This represents a classic case of insecure direct object reference vulnerability that can be categorized under CWE-22, which specifically addresses path traversal and directory traversal attacks. The vulnerability enables an attacker to delete files that may include configuration data, user documents, system logs, or even critical application binaries, depending on the permissions granted to the application process.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file deletion to encompass potential system compromise and data loss scenarios. An attacker exploiting this vulnerability could systematically remove critical system components, leading to application unavailability or complete system failure. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous when combined with other attack vectors, as it can be used to remove security-related files or logs that might otherwise prevent further exploitation. In environments where kkFileView is used to manage sensitive documents or user data, the ability to delete arbitrary files can result in significant data loss and compliance violations. The vulnerability affects the application's integrity and availability, potentially causing denial of service conditions for legitimate users who depend on the file management capabilities. From an attack perspective, this vulnerability aligns with techniques described in the ATT&CK framework under the T1485 category, which covers data destruction and the use of file deletion capabilities for malicious purposes. The vulnerability also contributes to broader attack chains that may include privilege escalation, persistence mechanisms, or information gathering activities that precede or follow the file deletion operations.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements to prevent similar issues. The primary fix involves implementing comprehensive input validation and sanitization for all file-related parameters, including the fileName parameter in the FileController.java file. This includes validating file paths against a whitelist of acceptable directories, implementing proper authorization checks for file operations, and ensuring that all user-supplied input undergoes strict validation before any file system operations are executed. Organizations should also implement proper access controls and permissions management to limit the scope of file operations that can be performed by different user roles. Additionally, the application should log all file operations with sufficient detail to enable forensic analysis in case of exploitation attempts or successful attacks. Security hardening practices should include implementing proper error handling that does not expose internal system information, and deploying web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious requests targeting this specific vulnerability. The remediation efforts should also consider implementing proper file system permissions that prevent the application from executing destructive operations on critical system files, while maintaining necessary functionality for legitimate file management operations. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify and address similar vulnerabilities in other components of the application or related systems.