Groupoffice Local File Inclusion Scanner

GroupOffice is a collaborative suite used mainly for managing email, projects, and other business functions among team members. It is popular among small and medium enterprises seeking an integrated online office platform. Team members use the GroupOffice suite to share and manage contacts, calendars, and files. The software also supports additional modules for tasks, notes, and billing, making it versatile for various business requirements. Primarily web-based, it can be accessed from any device which supports a web browser, enabling remote collaboration. Its ease of integration with existing systems and user-friendly interface make it a preferred choice for companies looking to streamline office management.

The Local File Inclusion (LFI) vulnerability occurs when files from the web server are accidentally exposed due to insufficient input validation. Attackers can exploit this flaw to read files that reside outside the designated directory. The vulnerability allows an unauthorized user to traverse directories and include files stored on the server, enhancing their ability to gather sensitive information. This flaw is particularly critical as it can be combined with other vulnerabilities, escalating the threat. By exploiting LFI, attackers are granted unintended access to critical application configurations and sensitive data. The vulnerability can potentially disrupt service operations and compromise critical data integrity.

In GroupOffice version 3.4.21, the vulnerability exists in the 'compress.php' file, where improper input validation permits directory traversal. The 'file' parameter is not properly sanitized allowing an attacker to input file paths and access sensitive files like '/etc/passwd'. The web application fails to restrict access to files beyond its directory, making the server vulnerable to unauthorized file access. Regex matching confirms the presence of sensitive patterns such as root directories within the files retrieved. Additionally, valid HTTP status responses indicate successful file inclusion during exploitation. This exposure is a result of inadequate input handling mechanisms within the application.

When exploited, the Local File Inclusion vulnerability can lead to unauthorized file access, allowing attackers to view sensitive server files. This may lead to the disclosure of password data and system information, which can be further utilized for more severe attacks. The vulnerability can breach privacy settings, exposing confidential business information stored on the server. Furthermore, it may facilitate unauthorized access and manipulation of data files, disrupting service continuity. Consequently, attackers might leverage the information to pivot to other exploitations, causing widespread security breaches.

REFERENCES

• https://cxsecurity.com/issue/WLB-2018020249
• http://www.group-office.com