CVE-2011-4835 in HomeSeer HS2
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in the web interface in HomeSeer HS2 2.5.0.20 allows remote attackers to access arbitrary files via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/15/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-4835 represents a directory traversal flaw within the web interface of HomeSeer HS2 version 2.5.0.20, classified under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-22. This weakness specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly referred to as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The vulnerability exists in the web-based management interface of the HomeSeer home automation system, which is widely deployed in residential and commercial environments for controlling various smart home devices and systems.
The technical nature of this directory traversal vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the web application's file access mechanisms. Attackers can exploit this weakness by manipulating input parameters to navigate through the file system hierarchy and access files that should normally be restricted to authorized users only. The unspecified vectors mentioned in the description suggest that the vulnerability may be exploitable through multiple entry points within the web interface, potentially including file download functions, configuration access points, or any component that processes user-supplied file path information. This type of vulnerability typically occurs when the application directly uses user-controllable input to construct file paths without proper validation or sanitization, allowing attackers to append directory traversal sequences such as ../ or ..\ to access files outside the intended directory structure.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant for users of HomeSeer HS2 systems, particularly in environments where security is paramount. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could gain access to sensitive configuration files, user credentials, system logs, and potentially system-level information that could be used for further attacks. In a home automation context, this could lead to unauthorized access to the entire smart home infrastructure, allowing attackers to monitor or control connected devices, potentially compromising the privacy and security of the entire household or facility. The vulnerability affects not only the immediate system but also represents a potential gateway for broader network penetration, especially in environments where HomeSeer systems are integrated with other networked devices and services.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper input validation and sanitization measures within the web application. The most effective approach involves ensuring that all user-supplied input is strictly validated and that any path traversal sequences are explicitly rejected or neutralized before processing. Organizations should implement proper access controls and privilege separation to limit the damage that could result from such an exploit. Additionally, regular security updates and patches should be applied to the HomeSeer system, as this vulnerability was likely addressed in subsequent releases. Network segmentation and monitoring of web traffic can also help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with tactics described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the 'Credential Access' and 'Privilege Escalation' domains, where adversaries seek to gain unauthorized access to system resources through exploitation of software vulnerabilities. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious file access patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts.