CVE-2012-3011 in WinTr Scada
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in the web server in Fultek WinTr Scada 4.0.5 and earlier allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a crafted request.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/06/2018
The CVE-2012-3011 vulnerability represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the web server component of Fultek WinTr Scada version 4.0.5 and earlier systems. This vulnerability resides in the web server implementation that processes HTTP requests from remote clients, creating an exploitable path traversal condition that allows unauthorized access to the underlying file system. The flaw specifically manifests when the web server fails to properly validate or sanitize user-supplied input that contains directory path references, enabling attackers to navigate beyond the intended web root directory and access sensitive system files. The vulnerability affects industrial control systems that utilize the WinTr Scada platform, which is commonly deployed in manufacturing and process control environments where SCADA systems manage critical infrastructure operations.
This directory traversal vulnerability operates through the manipulation of file path references within HTTP requests, leveraging the absence of proper input validation mechanisms in the web server component. Attackers can construct malicious requests containing sequences such as "../" or similar path traversal patterns that bypass normal access controls and allow them to read files outside the designated web application directories. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited remotely without requiring authentication, making it accessible to any attacker who can reach the affected system over the network. The flaw essentially allows attackers to traverse the file system hierarchy and potentially access configuration files, system binaries, user credentials, or other sensitive data that should remain protected within the application's secure boundaries.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can compromise the integrity and confidentiality of industrial control systems that rely on WinTr Scada for their operations. In industrial environments, this vulnerability could enable attackers to access sensitive operational data, extract system configuration details, or potentially gain insights into the network architecture and operational procedures. The exposure of system files could lead to further exploitation opportunities, including privilege escalation or the discovery of additional vulnerabilities within the SCADA infrastructure. Organizations using affected versions of WinTr Scada face significant risk of unauthorized access to critical industrial processes, potentially leading to operational disruptions, safety hazards, or even physical damage to industrial equipment.
Security mitigations for CVE-2012-3011 should focus on immediate remediation through software updates provided by Fultek, as well as implementing network-level protections to restrict access to the vulnerable web server component. Organizations should deploy web application firewalls or intrusion prevention systems that can detect and block directory traversal attack patterns in HTTP requests. Additionally, implementing proper input validation and sanitization within the web server configuration can help prevent malicious path traversal attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, and represents a classic example of how inadequate input validation can lead to severe security consequences. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving credential access and reconnaissance, as attackers can leverage it to gather information about the target system and potentially escalate privileges within the industrial control environment. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation to limit access to critical SCADA systems and ensure that only authorized personnel can reach the vulnerable web server components.