CVE-2013-10063 in SPH200D
Summary
by MITRE • 08/02/2025
A path traversal vulnerability exists in the Netgear SPH200D Skype phone firmware versions <= 1.0.4.80 in its embedded web server. Authenticated attackers can exploit crafted GET requests to access arbitrary files outside the web root by injecting traversal sequences. This can expose sensitive system files and configuration data.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/05/2025
The CVE-2013-10063 vulnerability represents a critical path traversal flaw in Netgear SPH200D Skype phone firmware versions up to 1.0.4.80. This vulnerability resides within the device's embedded web server implementation, which serves as the primary interface for system administration and configuration. The flaw allows authenticated attackers to manipulate file access requests through carefully crafted GET parameters, enabling them to navigate beyond the intended web root directory and access arbitrary system files. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the web server's file handling mechanisms, creating a direct pathway for unauthorized file disclosure. This issue is particularly concerning given that the device operates in networked environments where it may be exposed to both internal and external threat actors.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows the classic path traversal pattern where attackers inject directory traversal sequences such as '../' or '..\\' into HTTP GET requests targeting the web server. When the embedded web server processes these requests without proper validation, it fails to sanitize the input parameters, allowing the attacker to traverse the file system hierarchy and access sensitive files outside the intended web root directory. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-22 as "Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal')" and represents a fundamental flaw in the web server's security architecture. This weakness enables attackers to potentially access configuration files, system logs, user credentials, and other sensitive data that should remain protected within the device's restricted file system space.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can provide attackers with comprehensive insights into the device's internal configuration and operational state. Successful exploitation may reveal network configuration details, authentication credentials, system logs, and potentially sensitive operational data that could be leveraged for further attacks. In the context of the SPH200D device, which functions as a VoIP phone, this vulnerability could expose communication protocols, voice data, or network credentials that might facilitate more sophisticated attacks. The embedded nature of the web server and the device's role in telephony communications means that the exposure of sensitive data could potentially impact the confidentiality and integrity of voice communications. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1213.002 for "Data from Information Repositories" and represents a significant risk to the overall security posture of networked telephony systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-10063 should prioritize firmware updates from Netgear, which would address the underlying path traversal implementation flaw through proper input validation and sanitization. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit access to the device to authorized personnel only, reducing the attack surface for potential exploitation. Network monitoring solutions should be deployed to detect anomalous web server requests that may indicate exploitation attempts, particularly those containing directory traversal sequences. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls or intrusion prevention systems that can detect and block path traversal attempts would provide an additional layer of defense. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation in embedded systems and the need for security testing of web interfaces in networked devices, as outlined in OWASP Top 10 and NIST guidelines for embedded system security. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar flaws in other networked devices within the organization's infrastructure.