CVE-2001-0749 in IPC@CHIP Embedded-Webserver
Summary
by MITRE
Beck IPC GmbH IPC@CHIP Embedded-Webserver allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a webserver root directory set to system root.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/07/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2001-0749 affects the Beck IPC GmbH IPC@CHIP Embedded-Webserver, a web server component commonly deployed in embedded systems and industrial environments. This security flaw represents a critical directory traversal issue that enables remote attackers to access files beyond the intended web server root directory. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation and inadequate access controls within the embedded web server implementation, allowing malicious actors to exploit the system's file access mechanisms.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when the web server's root directory is configured to point to the system root directory rather than a restricted web content folder. This misconfiguration creates a path traversal opportunity where attackers can manipulate URL requests to navigate through the file system hierarchy and access sensitive system files, configuration data, and potentially system binaries. The flaw operates at the application layer and can be exploited using standard web browser tools or automated scanning utilities. Attackers typically construct malicious URLs containing sequences such as "../" or similar path manipulation techniques to traverse directories and gain unauthorized access to system resources.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can lead to complete system compromise when combined with other exploitation techniques. Remote attackers who successfully exploit this vulnerability can access critical system files including password databases, configuration files, and potentially execute arbitrary code if the system allows script execution. The embedded nature of the IPC@CHIP system means that this vulnerability affects industrial control systems, network appliances, and other devices where the web server serves as an administrative interface. This creates a significant risk for organizations relying on these embedded systems for critical infrastructure operations.
The vulnerability maps to CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. From an adversarial perspective, this weakness aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566, specifically the exploitation of vulnerabilities in remote services to gain initial access. The attack surface is particularly concerning in industrial control environments where embedded systems often lack proper network segmentation and security monitoring. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including proper configuration of web server root directories to prevent access to system-level paths, deployment of network access controls, and regular security assessments of embedded systems. Additionally, patch management procedures should be established to address similar vulnerabilities in legacy embedded systems that may not receive regular security updates from vendors.
The long-term implications of this vulnerability highlight the importance of secure configuration practices in embedded systems development and deployment. Many industrial environments continue to operate legacy embedded systems without proper security hardening, creating persistent attack vectors that can be exploited by threat actors with basic knowledge of web server vulnerabilities. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical need for organizations to conduct comprehensive security assessments of their embedded infrastructure and implement robust access controls to prevent unauthorized system access. The remediation approach should include not only immediate patching but also architectural reviews to ensure that future deployments follow secure configuration guidelines and network segmentation principles to limit the potential impact of similar vulnerabilities.