CVE-2024-6433 in devika
Summary
by MITRE • 07/10/2024
The application zips all the files in the folder specified by the user, which allows an attacker to read arbitrary files on the system by providing a crafted path. This vulnerability can be exploited by sending a request to the application with a malicious snapshot_path parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/13/2024
This vulnerability represents a critical directory traversal flaw that enables attackers to access arbitrary files on the system through improper input validation. The application's design flaw lies in its failure to properly sanitize user-supplied paths, allowing malicious actors to manipulate the snapshot_path parameter to navigate beyond the intended directory boundaries. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-22 category, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The vulnerability stems from the application's assumption that user input will be properly formatted and restricted, creating an attack surface where crafted paths can bypass security controls and access sensitive system resources.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a malicious snapshot_path parameter that includes directory traversal sequences such as ../ or ..\ to navigate up the directory tree. When the application processes this input and attempts to zip files in the specified folder, it inadvertently processes files outside the intended directory scope. This flaw can be leveraged to read configuration files, credential stores, application source code, or other sensitive data that should remain protected. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows for arbitrary file read access without requiring authentication or elevated privileges, making it a high-impact issue in the context of application security.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data exposure, as it can lead to complete system compromise when combined with other attack vectors. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can gain access to sensitive information such as database credentials, application configuration files, or even system-level files that may contain authentication tokens or encryption keys. This information can then be used to escalate privileges, pivot to other systems, or launch further attacks within the network. The vulnerability also affects the confidentiality and integrity of the affected system, as unauthorized access to files can result in data manipulation or exfiltration. According to the MITRE ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to the T1083 technique for discovering system information, and the T1566 technique for credential access through exploitation of weak controls.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both the immediate technical flaw and broader security practices within the application architecture. The most effective immediate fix involves implementing strict input validation and sanitization for all user-supplied paths, including normalization of path separators and validation against a whitelist of allowed directories. The application should employ absolute path resolution and ensure that all file operations occur within predefined safe directories. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and privilege separation can limit the damage even if path traversal attempts are successful. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls, input validation layers, and regular security testing to identify similar vulnerabilities. The defense in depth approach should include monitoring for unusual file access patterns and implementing automated patch management processes to ensure timely remediation of such vulnerabilities.