Surreal ToDo Local File Inclusion Scanner

Surreal ToDo is an open-source task management tool often used by individuals and teams for organizing tasks and managing projects. It provides functionalities for creating, editing, and tracking tasks with deadlines and priorities. The software is frequently utilized by small to medium-sized teams in technology and business sectors to improve productivity and workflow management. While primarily deployed on personal computers, Surreal ToDo can be hosted in various environments, including shared hosting platforms. Its open-source nature allows for customization and integration with other software solutions, making it versatile. As a popular organizational tool, maintaining its security is critical to protecting user data and privacy.

Local File Inclusion (LFI) is a significant security vulnerability that affects applications by allowing attackers to include local files on a server through the web browser. This vulnerability arises when user input is not properly sanitized, allowing the manipulation of file paths. The impact of LFI can be critical as it may enable unauthorized access to sensitive information, potentially leading to information leakage or further exploitation. LFI is commonly targeted in web applications that fail to validate and sanitize file path inputs adequately. Proper understanding and mitigating of this vulnerability is crucial for maintaining application security. Mitigation efforts typically involve sanitizing inputs and implementing strict file access controls.

The Surreal ToDo application version 0.6.1.2 suffers from a Local File Inclusion vulnerability via its 'index.php' script and the 'content' parameter. An attacker can exploit this by manipulating the 'content' parameter to traverse directories and include files residing on the server. By altering the file paths, attackers can gain unauthorized access to sensitive files, such as 'passwd', which stores system user information. The exploitation involves constructing a web request that uses directory traversal sequences to access files outside the intended directories. This vulnerability requires no authentication, making it easier for attackers to exploit without prior access. Successful exploitation can compromise server confidentiality by revealing sensitive file contents.

When malicious actors exploit the Local File Inclusion vulnerability in Surreal ToDo, it can have serious implications for the server and the data it holds. Primary effects include unauthorized access to sensitive files, which can result in information leakage. Such files may contain critical user data, system configurations, and potentially exploitable information. If attackers access system files, it could enable further exploitation strategies, such as privilege escalation or lateral movement within the system. Persistently exploiting LFI can compromise the integrity and confidentiality of system resources. It may also lead to service disruptions if critical files are accessed or manipulated, impacting the overall application availability.

REFERENCES

• https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/45826