Local File Inclusion
In cybersecurity, Local File Inclusion (LFI) is a specific type of File Inclusion Vulnerability. It occurs when an attacker tricks a web application into including and executing unauthorized files located on the same server as the application itself.
Here's a breakdown of LFI:
Vulnerability: The web application relies on user-supplied input to determine the path of a file for inclusion.
Exploitation: The application fails to properly validate this input, allowing attackers to inject malicious code.
Attacker Goal: The attacker crafts a specially crafted input that includes a path to a malicious file on the server.
Since the file resides locally, the application processes it, potentially leading to various consequences:
Information Disclosure: The attacker might access sensitive information stored in the included file, such as configuration files containing passwords or user data.
Privilege Escalation: The attacker might trick the application into including a file that grants them unauthorized access or higher privileges on the server.
System Compromise: In severe cases, the attacker might include a script that allows them to execute malicious code on the server, potentially leading to a complete system takeover.
Key Points about LFI:
It's distinct from Remote File Inclusion (RFI), where the attacker includes a malicious script from a remote server.
LFI exploits weaknesses in the application's logic for handling user input, which is not necessarily a security flaw in the server itself.
Mitigating LFI involves implementing proper input validation to restrict the application from including unauthorized files.
ThreatNG: Proactive Management of Local File Inclusion (LFI) Vulnerabilities
ThreatNG, with its combined EASM, DRP, and security ratings capabilities, offers a proactive approach to managing LFI vulnerabilities. Here's how:
1. Proactive Identification:
Inventory & Assessment: ThreatNG scans your external attack surface, including applications, login pages, and exposed admin panels. This comprehensive view helps identify potential entry points for LFI attacks.
Exposed Admin Panels: LFI is particularly dangerous for exposed admin panels, as attackers can gain escalated privileges or access sensitive data. ThreatNG flags these vulnerabilities for immediate attention.
Input Validation Checks (Indirect): While ThreatNG doesn't directly scan code for LFI vulnerabilities, it can identify applications likely to be vulnerable based on user input in functionalities like login forms, search bars, or file uploads.
2. Security Posture Assessment:
Outdated Software: ThreatNG identifies obsolete software on the server, including plugins or frameworks used by web applications. Outdated software might have known vulnerabilities that attackers can exploit for LFI.
Misconfiguration Issues: Misconfigured server settings can sometimes increase the risk of LFI attacks. ThreatNG can identify potential misconfigurations that could be exploited.
3. Complementary Solutions and Handoff:
Vulnerability Scanners: ThreatNG integrates with vulnerability scanners that perform deeper code analysis for LFI vulnerabilities. Scanners can identify specific vulnerabilities in the code that could be exploited for LFI attacks.
Prioritization and Handoff: ThreatNG prioritizes vulnerabilities based on severity and potential impact, considering factors like the location of the exposed file and the type of information it contains. This information is then handed off to Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) systems for investigation and alerting.
Development & Patching: Developers can leverage these findings to prioritize patching efforts and address LFI vulnerabilities within the code.
Example:
ThreatNG identifies a login page where the username is used to construct the file path for retrieving user profile information. An attacker could inject a path into the username field to a malicious script stored on the server. The application, tricked by the user input, might include a malicious script granting the attacker unauthorized access (privilege escalation).
Benefits:
Early Detection: ThreatNG helps identify applications with functionalities that could be vulnerable to LFI attacks, enabling proactive mitigation strategies.
Reduced Attack Surface: ThreatNG helps reduce the attack surface vulnerability to LFI exploitation by identifying exposed admin panels and outdated software.
Improved Security Posture: Addressing security misconfigurations and prioritizing patching efforts based on ThreatNG insights strengthens the overall security posture.
Desired Business Outcomes:
Reduced Risk of Data Breaches: Mitigating LFI vulnerabilities protects sensitive data from unauthorized access.
Enhanced Security Posture: Proactive management is committed to security building trust with customers and partners.
Improved Regulatory Compliance: Meeting industry standards and regulations related to data security.
ThreatNG acts as a central hub, identifying potential LFI vulnerabilities and working with complementary solutions for a comprehensive approach. This empowers businesses to proactively manage their security posture and achieve their desired security outcomes.
