CVE-2011-4716 in Dreambox Dm800 Hd Se
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in file in DreamBox DM800 1.6rc3, 1.5rc1, and earlier allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via the file parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/15/2024
The CVE-2011-4716 vulnerability represents a critical directory traversal flaw affecting DreamBox DM800 set-top boxes running firmware versions 1.6rc3, 1.5rc1, and earlier. This vulnerability resides in the web interface component of the device, specifically in how it processes file parameters submitted through HTTP requests. The flaw enables remote attackers to bypass normal file access restrictions and retrieve arbitrary files from the device's file system, potentially exposing sensitive configuration data, authentication credentials, and system files that should remain protected from external access.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation within the file parameter handling mechanism. When users submit file requests through the web interface, the system fails to properly sanitize or validate the input before processing file operations. This allows attackers to craft malicious requests containing directory traversal sequences such as ../ or ..\ that can navigate outside the intended directory boundaries and access files in higher-level directories. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited remotely without requiring authentication, making it particularly dangerous for devices that are accessible over networks.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates significant security risks for users of DreamBox DM800 devices. Attackers who exploit this flaw can potentially access configuration files that may contain system passwords, network settings, and other sensitive information that could be used for further attacks. The exposure of system files might also reveal information about the device's software architecture, firmware versions, and internal file structures that could aid in developing more sophisticated attacks. Additionally, the ability to read arbitrary files could lead to privilege escalation opportunities or provide attackers with sufficient information to compromise the entire device.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. This weakness allows attackers to access files and directories that are stored outside the intended directory, typically by manipulating input data to include directory navigation sequences. The attack vector for CVE-2011-4716 fits within the ATT&CK framework under the technique T1566.001 - Phishing with Malicious File, and potentially T1071.004 - Application Layer Protocol: DNS, as attackers might leverage this vulnerability to gain access to system resources and potentially establish persistent access to the network. Organizations using DreamBox DM800 devices should implement immediate mitigations including firmware updates, network segmentation, and input validation controls to prevent exploitation of this vulnerability.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-4716 should include applying the latest firmware updates from DreamBox to address the directory traversal flaw, implementing network access controls to restrict unauthorized access to the device's web interface, and conducting regular security assessments to identify potential attack vectors. Network administrators should also consider disabling unnecessary web services and implementing proper input validation at the application level to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being exploited. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices and input validation in embedded systems, particularly those with network connectivity and web-based management interfaces.