CVE-2022-4769 in Vantara Pentaho Business Analytics Server
Summary
by MITRE • 04/03/2023
Hitachi Vantara Pentaho Business Analytics Server prior to versions 9.4.0.0 and 9.3.0.2, including 8.3.x display the target path on host when a file is uploaded with an invalid character in its name.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/04/2023
This vulnerability exists in Hitachi Vantara Pentaho Business Analytics Server versions prior to 9.4.0.0 and 9.3.0.2, including the 8.3.x series, where the system reveals the target file path on the host system when users attempt to upload files with invalid characters in their names. The flaw represents a path traversal or information disclosure vulnerability that occurs during file upload validation processes. When an invalid character is detected in a filename during the upload operation, the system inadvertently exposes the absolute path of the target directory where files are being uploaded. This behavior stems from insufficient input validation and error handling mechanisms within the file upload functionality.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic case of improper error message handling and path exposure during file operations. The system fails to sanitize error messages properly, allowing attackers to obtain sensitive information about the server's file system structure. This type of vulnerability is categorized under CWE-209, which addresses "Information Exposure Through an Error Message," and also relates to CWE-22, "Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal')." The flaw occurs specifically within the file upload validation logic where the system does not properly handle invalid character scenarios and instead provides verbose error information that includes the absolute file path.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates significant security risks for organizations using affected Pentaho versions. Attackers can leverage this information disclosure to map the server's file system structure, identify potential targets for further exploitation, and plan more sophisticated attacks. The exposed paths may reveal directory structures, file locations, and potentially sensitive organizational information about the deployment environment. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083, "File and Directory Discovery," as it provides attackers with information about file system locations that would otherwise be hidden from unauthorized users. The impact extends beyond simple information disclosure as it can serve as a foundation for path traversal attacks, privilege escalation attempts, or other malicious activities targeting the affected system.
Organizations should immediately upgrade to Pentaho Business Analytics Server versions 9.4.0.0 or 9.3.0.2, which contain the necessary patches to address this vulnerability. The remediation involves implementing proper input validation for file names, ensuring that error messages do not contain sensitive path information, and sanitizing all error outputs to prevent path disclosure. Security teams should also conduct thorough assessments of their file upload mechanisms and implement proper access controls to limit file upload capabilities to authorized users only. Additionally, organizations should monitor their systems for any suspicious file upload activities and implement logging mechanisms to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure error handling practices and proper input validation in preventing information disclosure attacks that can compromise system security and expose organizational infrastructure details to malicious actors.