^{CVE-2020-19363:}Directory Listing Vulnerability in Vtiger CRM v7.2.0

Overview

The vulnerability exists in Vtiger CRM v7.2.0 due to improper access controls on the /libraries and /layout directories. When accessed directly via a web browser, these directories expose their contents instead of returning a 403 Forbidden error or redirecting to a safe page. This information disclosure vulnerability allows attackers to enumerate files, understand the application structure, and potentially discover sensitive configuration files or components that could be leveraged for further attacks. Directory listing vulnerabilities are particularly dangerous as they provide attackers with a roadmap of the application's file system, which can significantly reduce the effort required to find exploitable weaknesses.

Remediation

To remediate this vulnerability, system administrators should:

1. Disable directory listing in the web server configuration:

   • For Apache: Add "Options -Indexes" to the .htaccess file or server configuration
   • For Nginx: Remove "autoindex on" from the server configuration
   • For IIS: Disable directory browsing in the web server settings

2. Implement proper access controls:

   • Restrict direct access to the /libraries and /layout directories
   • Configure web server rules to deny direct access to these directories

3. Update to the latest version of Vtiger CRM if a patched version is available

4. Consider implementing a web application firewall (WAF) to add an additional layer of protection against unauthorized directory access

References

1. https://github.com/EmreOvunc/Vtiger-CRM-Vulnerabilities/ - Repository with detailed information about Vtiger CRM vulnerabilities
2. https://emreovunc.com/blog/en/vtiger_crm_directorylisting_01.png - Screenshot demonstrating the vulnerability
3. https://emreovunc.com/blog/en/vtiger_crm_directorylisting_02.png - Additional evidence of the directory listing issue
4. https://owasp.org/www-project-web-security-testing-guide/latest/4-Web_Application_Security_Testing/02-Configuration_and_Deployment_Management_Testing/04-Review_Old_Backup_and_Unreferenced_Files_for_Sensitive_Information - OWASP guidance on preventing information disclosure
5. https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/200.html - Information about CWE-200: Information Exposure