CVE-2009-1558 in WVC54GCA
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in adm/file.cgi on the Cisco Linksys WVC54GCA wireless video camera with firmware 1.00R22 and 1.00R24 allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a %2e. (encoded dot dot) or an absolute pathname in the next_file parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/01/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2009-1558 represents a critical directory traversal flaw affecting the Cisco Linksys WVC54GCA wireless video camera device. This issue resides within the adm/file.cgi component of the device's web interface, which processes file operations through the next_file parameter. The vulnerability specifically impacts firmware versions 1.00R22 and 1.00R24, making these particular device iterations susceptible to unauthorized file access attempts. The flaw enables remote attackers to bypass normal access controls and retrieve arbitrary files from the device's file system, potentially exposing sensitive configuration data, authentication credentials, or system information.
The technical mechanism behind this vulnerability involves improper input validation within the file handling process of the web interface. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious requests containing encoded directory traversal sequences such as %2e or absolute pathnames in the next_file parameter. The %2e encoding represents the URL-encoded version of the dot character, which when processed by the vulnerable application can be interpreted as a directory navigation instruction. This allows attackers to traverse beyond the intended directory boundaries and access files outside of the designated application scope. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and leverages the absence of proper path validation and sanitization mechanisms within the cgi script.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with potential access to sensitive system components. Remote attackers could retrieve configuration files that might contain administrative passwords, network settings, or other confidential information that could be used for further exploitation. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers do not require physical access to the device or network proximity to exploit the flaw, making it particularly dangerous for devices deployed in unsecured environments. This could lead to complete device compromise, unauthorized video surveillance access, or potential use as a foothold for broader network attacks. The exposure of system files could also reveal implementation details that aid in developing additional attack vectors against the same device or similar vulnerable systems.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate firmware updates from Cisco to address the directory traversal flaw. Network administrators should also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of these devices to untrusted networks. The implementation of web application firewalls or intrusion prevention systems can help detect and block malicious directory traversal attempts. Additionally, regular security audits of networked devices should include checks for similar vulnerabilities in other embedded systems. Organizations should follow established security practices such as the principle of least privilege, ensuring that only necessary services are exposed and that access controls are properly configured. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, and represents a common pattern in embedded device security that has been documented in various ATT&CK framework techniques related to credential access and reconnaissance activities.