CVE-2011-1900 in Web Studio
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in NTWebServer in InduSoft Web Studio 6.1 and 7.x before 7.0+Patch 1 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via an invalid request.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/13/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-1900 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within NTWebServer, a web server component integrated into InduSoft Web Studio version 6.1 and 7.x prior to 7.0+Patch 1. This weakness resides in the server's handling of malformed HTTP requests and demonstrates a fundamental failure in input validation and path resolution mechanisms. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and specifically targets the web server's ability to process file system requests, creating an opportunity for malicious actors to bypass normal access controls and gain unauthorized system access.
The technical exploitation of this directory traversal vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a specially formatted HTTP request that includes malicious path traversal sequences such as ../ or ..\ to navigate outside the intended web root directory. The flaw allows the NTWebServer to interpret these sequences and execute arbitrary code on the underlying system, effectively granting remote attackers full control over the affected server. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal. The underlying mechanism exploits the server's failure to properly sanitize and validate user-supplied input before processing file system operations, creating a dangerous condition where attacker-controlled data can influence the execution flow of the web server.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-1900 extends beyond simple code execution to encompass complete system compromise and potential lateral movement within industrial control environments where InduSoft Web Studio is deployed. Organizations utilizing this software in critical infrastructure settings face significant risks as attackers can leverage this vulnerability to access sensitive operational data, modify control systems, or establish persistent backdoors. The vulnerability particularly affects industrial automation and control systems where web interfaces are used for remote monitoring and management, making it a prime target for both cybercriminals and nation-state actors targeting industrial espionage. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation can occur from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access to the system, significantly expanding the attack surface and potential impact.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate patch application to versions 7.0+Patch 1 or later, as provided by InduSoft. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to limit access to systems running InduSoft Web Studio, deploy web application firewalls to detect and block malicious traversal attempts, and conduct regular security assessments of industrial control systems. Additional defensive measures include implementing strict input validation on all web server endpoints, monitoring for unusual file system access patterns, and maintaining comprehensive audit logs for forensic analysis. The vulnerability also aligns with several ATT&CK framework techniques including T1059 for command and script injection and T1210 for exploitation of remote services, highlighting the need for layered security approaches that address both network-level and application-level threats in industrial environments.