CVE-2023-51648 in Allegra
Summary
by MITRE • 11/22/2024
Allegra getFileContentAsString Directory Traversal Information Disclosure Vulnerability. This vulnerability allows remote attackers to disclose sensitive information on affected installations of Allegra. Although authentication is required to exploit this vulnerability, the product implements a registration mechanism that can be used to create a new user with a sufficient privilege level.
The specific flaw exists within the getFileContentAsString method. The issue results from the lack of proper validation of a user-supplied path prior to using it in file operations. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to disclose stored credentials, leading to further compromise. Was ZDI-CAN-22530.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/03/2025
The CVE-2023-51648 vulnerability represents a critical directory traversal flaw in the Allegra application that exposes sensitive information through improper input validation. This vulnerability resides within the getFileContentAsString method where user-supplied paths are processed without adequate sanitization or validation checks. The flaw allows attackers to manipulate file system access through crafted input that bypasses normal security boundaries, potentially leading to unauthorized disclosure of confidential data stored within the application's file system. The vulnerability's severity is amplified by the fact that while authentication is required, the application's registration mechanism provides a pathway for unauthenticated attackers to create accounts with sufficient privileges to exploit this weakness.
From a technical perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-22 Directory Traversal and CWE-200 Information Exposure, representing a classic path traversal attack vector where insufficient input validation enables attackers to navigate beyond intended file system boundaries. The implementation flaw occurs when the application accepts user input directly into file operations without proper sanitization, allowing malicious path sequences such as ../ or ..\ to be processed. This creates a direct pathway for attackers to access files outside of the intended application directory structure, potentially exposing configuration files, database credentials, application source code, or other sensitive materials stored on the server.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, creating a potential escalation path for attackers who can leverage the disclosed credentials to perform further malicious activities. The vulnerability's exploitation requires a valid account, but the registration mechanism provides a straightforward attack vector for unauthorized users to gain access privileges. Once an attacker successfully navigates the directory traversal path, they can potentially access stored credentials, application configuration files, or other sensitive data that could facilitate additional compromises within the system. This vulnerability particularly impacts environments where the application stores sensitive information in accessible file locations, making it a significant concern for organizations relying on Allegra for business-critical operations.
Security mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper input validation and sanitization measures within the getFileContentAsString method. The recommended approach includes implementing strict path validation that rejects any input containing directory traversal sequences, utilizing secure file access patterns that prevent path manipulation, and implementing proper access controls that limit file system access to authorized users only. Organizations should also consider implementing the principle of least privilege for file system access, ensuring that application components only have access to necessary files and directories. Additionally, regular security testing including dynamic application security testing and static code analysis should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other application components. The vulnerability's classification under ATT&CK technique T1566.001 (Phishing) and T1078 (Valid Accounts) highlights the importance of monitoring for suspicious account creation and access patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts.