CVE-2023-6900 in DashMachine
Summary
by MITRE • 12/17/2023
A vulnerability, which was classified as critical, has been found in rmountjoy92 DashMachine 0.5-4. Affected by this issue is some unknown functionality of the file /settings/delete_file. The manipulation of the argument file leads to path traversal: '../filedir'. The exploit has been disclosed to the public and may be used. VDB-248258 is the identifier assigned to this vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/11/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-6900 represents a critical path traversal flaw within the rmountjoy92 DashMachine 0.5-4 application. This security weakness specifically affects the file deletion functionality located at /settings/delete_file endpoint, where improper input validation allows attackers to manipulate file paths through the file argument parameter. The vulnerability stems from insufficient sanitization of user-supplied input, enabling malicious actors to navigate outside the intended directory structure and potentially access or delete files that should remain protected. The path traversal vector '../filedir' demonstrates how an attacker can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious input that traverses parent directories, bypassing normal access controls and file system boundaries.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-22 Path Traversal and CWE-77 Path Traversal, both of which are categorized under the broader category of Directory Traversal attacks. These flaws typically occur when applications fail to properly validate and sanitize file paths before processing user input, allowing attackers to manipulate the intended file system operations. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited through direct HTTP requests to the affected endpoint, making it particularly dangerous as it requires minimal technical expertise to execute. The public disclosure of the exploit means that threat actors can readily leverage this weakness without requiring advanced knowledge or custom development.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-6900 extends beyond simple file deletion capabilities, as successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise through unauthorized access to sensitive configuration files, database credentials, application source code, and other critical system resources. Attackers may leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges, establish persistent backdoors, or exfiltrate confidential data from the affected system. The implications are particularly severe for dashboards and monitoring systems like DashMachine, which often contain administrative credentials, system configuration data, and access logs that could be leveraged for further attacks within the network. This vulnerability could also enable attackers to disrupt system operations by deleting critical application files or modifying system configurations.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate implementation of input validation and sanitization measures at the application level, specifically within the file path handling code of the delete_file functionality. The recommended approach involves implementing strict path validation that ensures all file paths are resolved within the intended directory boundaries and rejects any input containing directory traversal sequences. Organizations should also consider implementing proper access controls and authentication mechanisms to limit who can access the vulnerable endpoint. Additionally, the application should be updated to a patched version if available, or the affected functionality should be disabled until proper security measures are implemented. Network segmentation and monitoring of unusual file system access patterns can help detect exploitation attempts. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and the principle of least privilege in application security design, as outlined in the ATT&CK framework under techniques related to privilege escalation and credential access.