IDoc View Arbitrary File Read Scanner

IDoc View is commonly used by organizations and individuals to manage and view various types of documents online. It is particularly valuable in environments where the presentation of documents without the need for downloads is desirable, such as educational institutions, corporate sectors, and libraries. Many use IDoc View to enable seamless accessibility to documents due to its web-based utility. As an online viewing tool, it supports multiple file formats, making document management easier for end-users. The software is often integrated into web applications to provide an interactive and user-friendly way to access documents. Its implementation helps reduce the need for third-party software, simplifying the process for users to access and read documents directly through a web browser.

Arbitrary File Read vulnerabilities occur when an application permits users to read files from the file system without proper authorization. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to access sensitive information by specifying the files they wish to read. This can lead to unauthorized data disclosure, as sensitive files may often contain confidential or administrative information. Such vulnerabilities are typically a result of improper input validation or insufficient access controls. Exploiting this flaw typically requires knowledge of or guessing the location of sensitive files within the application's environment. When combined with other vulnerabilities, Arbitrary File Read issues can potentially escalate to more severe security impacts, including the facilitation of further application or network penetration.

The Arbitrary File Read vulnerability in IDoc View is found within its document handling feature. The vulnerable endpoint is accessible through a GET request, which can be manipulated to read arbitrary files specified through a file URL. The vulnerability lies in the 'url' parameter where an attacker can input a file path to read from the host server. Ensuring a 200 HTTP response status and specific tokens in the response body can ascertain successful exploitation. Another aspect of the vulnerability is how it allows files from the server’s operating system, such as configuration files, to be accessed. This is often leveraged to extract sensitive data which aids in understanding the environment or planning further attacks.

When successfully exploited, this vulnerability can lead to exposure of sensitive files which may include critical system configurations and user data. Exploitations can result in unauthorized access to personally identifiable information, financial records, or proprietary company data leading to potential privacy violations, legal implications, or financial loss. Additionally, the exposure of configuration files can enable attackers to perform further attacks, possibly elevating their operational privileges or altering system functionalities. In a worst-case scenario, this might facilitate unauthorized system takeover or data corruption, affecting system integrity and continuity.