CVE-2013-5219 in HOTBOX router
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability on the HOT HOTBOX router with software 2.1.11 allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in a URI, as demonstrated by a request for /etc/passwd.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/29/2024
The CVE-2013-5219 vulnerability represents a critical directory traversal flaw affecting the HOT HOTBOX router running software version 2.1.11. This vulnerability exposes the device to remote exploitation where attackers can manipulate URI requests to access arbitrary files on the system. The flaw specifically leverages the .. (dot dot) sequence in Uniform Resource Identifier paths to navigate beyond the intended directory boundaries and gain unauthorized access to sensitive system files.
This directory traversal vulnerability operates at the application layer and directly violates the principle of least privilege by allowing unauthorized file access. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it requires no authentication and can be executed remotely over the network. When an attacker submits a URI containing the .. sequence, the router fails to properly validate the path and instead processes the request as if the user had legitimate access to the file system. The demonstration using /etc/passwd shows how attackers can retrieve critical system information that would normally be protected from unauthorized access.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file reading capabilities. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can potentially access configuration files, system logs, user credentials, and other sensitive data stored on the router. This information could then be used for further attacks including privilege escalation, network reconnaissance, or even complete system compromise. The vulnerability affects the router's web interface which serves as the primary management access point, making it particularly dangerous for network administrators who rely on these interfaces for device configuration and monitoring.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-22 (Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory) and represents a classic example of insufficient input validation in web applications. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a privilege escalation technique through path traversal, potentially enabling lateral movement within a network. The vulnerability demonstrates poor input sanitization practices and highlights the importance of implementing proper path validation mechanisms in network device firmware. Organizations using affected HOT HOTBOX routers should immediately apply firmware updates from the vendor to address this vulnerability, as the exposure period could allow for significant reconnaissance and exploitation activities.
The broader implications for network security include the potential for attackers to gain unauthorized access to network infrastructure through seemingly innocuous web interface requests. This vulnerability underscores the critical need for network device security hardening and regular firmware updates. The lack of proper access controls and input validation in the router's web server component creates a persistent threat vector that could be exploited by automated scanning tools or determined attackers. Network security teams should implement monitoring for suspicious URI patterns and consider network segmentation to limit the potential impact of such vulnerabilities.