CVE-2011-4880 in webMI2ADS
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in the web server in Certec atvise webMI2ADS (aka webMI) before 2.0.2 allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a crafted HTTP request.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/16/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-4880 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the web server component of Certec atvise webMI2ADS, formerly known as webMI. This vulnerability affects versions prior to 2.0.2 and exposes the system to remote exploitation by malicious actors who can craft specific HTTP requests to access arbitrary files on the affected system. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation and improper path handling within the web server's file access mechanisms, creating a pathway for unauthorized file disclosure.
This directory traversal vulnerability operates by manipulating file path references in HTTP requests to navigate beyond the intended directory boundaries. Attackers can exploit this weakness to access files that should normally be restricted, potentially including system configuration files, user credentials, application source code, or other sensitive data. The vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-22, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it requires no authentication and can be executed remotely, making it highly attractive to threat actors seeking to compromise industrial control systems.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can lead to complete system compromise within industrial environments. In the context of atvise webMI2ADS, which is designed for industrial automation and control systems, successful exploitation could allow attackers to gain insights into system architecture, potentially leading to further attacks such as privilege escalation or denial of service conditions. The vulnerability's presence in industrial control systems creates additional security concerns as these environments often handle critical infrastructure operations where unauthorized access can have severe operational and safety implications. According to the MITRE ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to the T1083 technique for discovering system information, which is often a precursor to more advanced persistent threats.
Organizations utilizing Certec atvise webMI2ADS software should prioritize immediate remediation by upgrading to version 2.0.2 or later, which includes proper input validation and path sanitization measures to prevent directory traversal attacks. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit exposure of the affected system to untrusted networks, while monitoring systems should be configured to detect suspicious HTTP requests containing directory traversal sequences. Security professionals should also consider implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious path traversal attempts. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in industrial control system components, as these environments often contain legacy systems that may harbor similar vulnerabilities. The remediation process should include thorough testing of the updated software to ensure that the patch does not introduce compatibility issues with existing industrial processes or control system operations.