CVE-2012-2560 in KingView
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in WellinTech KingView 6.53 allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a crafted HTTP request to port 8001.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/15/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-2560 represents a critical directory traversal flaw in WellinTech KingView 6.53 software, specifically affecting the application's web interface component. This vulnerability exists within the HTTP server implementation that listens on port 8001, making it accessible to remote attackers without authentication. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization of file path parameters within the web application's request handling mechanism, allowing malicious users to manipulate directory navigation sequences.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as directory traversal or path traversal attacks. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting specially formatted HTTP requests that contain sequences such as ../ or ..\ that bypass normal file access controls. When the vulnerable application processes these requests, it fails to properly validate or sanitize the user-supplied path components, leading to unauthorized access to files outside the intended directory structure. This allows attackers to read arbitrary files from the server's file system, potentially including configuration files, database files, or sensitive application data.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it provides remote attackers with unauthorized access to sensitive information stored on the affected server. Depending on the system configuration and file permissions, attackers may be able to access critical system files, application source code, configuration files containing database credentials, or other sensitive data that could lead to further compromise of the system. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires no authentication and can be exploited remotely, making it an attractive target for automated scanning tools. The attack surface is limited to the specific port 8001 where the vulnerable service operates, but this exposure creates a persistent security risk for any organization using the affected version of KingView software.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate patching of the WellinTech KingView software to the latest version that addresses this directory traversal flaw. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to restrict access to port 8001, limiting exposure to trusted networks only. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and input validation controls can provide additional layers of protection against similar attacks. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and the principle of least privilege in web application security, as outlined in various cybersecurity frameworks including the ATT&CK framework's techniques for credential access and privilege escalation. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar issues in other applications and systems within the organization's infrastructure.