CVE-2024-2461 in FOX61x
Summary
by MITRE • 06/11/2024
If exploited an attacker could traverse the file system to access files or directories that would otherwise be inaccessible
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/11/2024
This vulnerability represents a critical path traversal flaw that allows unauthorized access to restricted file system resources through improper input validation mechanisms. The issue stems from insufficient sanitization of user-supplied input that is subsequently used in file system operations, enabling attackers to manipulate file paths and gain access to files or directories outside the intended scope. Such vulnerabilities typically occur when applications fail to properly validate or filter input parameters before using them in file access operations, creating opportunities for malicious actors to navigate beyond designated boundaries.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with common weaknesses identified in the CWE database under CWE-22, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory. This weakness manifests when applications use user-controllable data in file system operations without adequate validation, allowing attackers to craft malicious input sequences that traverse directory structures using special characters like ../ or ..\ to move up directory levels. The flaw operates at the intersection of input validation and file system access controls, where the absence of proper boundary checks creates exploitable pathways for information disclosure.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file access, as it can potentially lead to complete system compromise when combined with other attack vectors. An attacker exploiting this flaw could access sensitive configuration files, database credentials, application source code, or system binaries that should remain protected. The vulnerability's severity escalates when considering that it may enable further attacks such as code execution through the manipulation of system files or the extraction of critical authentication tokens and keys stored in restricted locations. This type of vulnerability directly violates the principle of least privilege and can result in unauthorized data access, system reconnaissance, and potential lateral movement within networked environments.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing robust input validation and sanitization mechanisms across all file system access points. Organizations must enforce strict parameter validation using allow-list approaches rather than deny-list methods, ensuring that all user-supplied input undergoes comprehensive filtering before being used in file operations. The implementation of secure coding practices including proper path resolution techniques, mandatory input sanitization, and the use of secure file system APIs that prevent directory traversal attempts should be prioritized. Additionally, system administrators should implement proper access controls and privilege separation to limit the impact of any successful exploitation attempts, while also deploying monitoring solutions to detect anomalous file access patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of defense-in-depth strategies and proper security controls in preventing unauthorized access to sensitive system resources.