CVE-2014-2232 in MapSuite
Summary
by MITRE
Absolute path traversal vulnerability in the MapAPI in Infoware MapSuite before 1.0.36 and 1.1.x before 1.1.49 allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/03/2018
The CVE-2014-2232 vulnerability represents a critical absolute path traversal flaw within the MapAPI component of Infoware MapSuite software versions prior to 1.0.36 and 1.1.x prior to 1.1.49. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-22 category, which specifically addresses path traversal attacks that allow unauthorized access to files outside the intended directory structure. The vulnerability exists in the MapAPI functionality that processes map-related data and file operations, creating an opportunity for remote attackers to exploit the system's file handling mechanisms without authentication or authorization.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and improper sanitization of file paths within the MapAPI module. Attackers can manipulate input parameters to traverse the file system hierarchy and access sensitive files that should remain protected. The unspecified vectors mentioned in the description indicate that the vulnerability can be triggered through multiple attack surfaces within the MapAPI functionality, potentially including web interface parameters, API calls, or file upload mechanisms. This lack of specificity in the attack vectors makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can be exploited through various entry points, increasing the attack surface and reducing the effectiveness of traditional defensive measures.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, potentially exposing sensitive system information, configuration files, database credentials, and other confidential data to unauthorized parties. Remote attackers can leverage this vulnerability to gain insights into the underlying system architecture, potentially leading to further exploitation opportunities such as privilege escalation or lateral movement within the network. The vulnerability directly violates the principle of least privilege and can result in complete system compromise if sensitive files containing authentication credentials, application code, or system configurations are accessible through this path traversal mechanism. Organizations using affected versions of Infoware MapSuite face significant risk of data breaches, regulatory compliance violations, and operational disruptions.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-2232 should prioritize immediate software updates to versions 1.0.36 or 1.1.49 and later, which contain the necessary patches to address the path traversal vulnerability. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation and sanitization measures within all file handling operations, particularly those involving user-supplied data. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by restricting file system access permissions for the MapAPI component and ensuring that only necessary file operations are permitted. Network segmentation and firewall rules can help limit access to the affected MapAPI functionality, while regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and content security policies can provide additional layers of protection against path traversal attacks and other similar vulnerabilities that may exist within the application ecosystem. The ATT&CK framework categorizes such vulnerabilities under T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1566 Phishing, as attackers often use path traversal to gain initial access to sensitive information that can then be used for more sophisticated attacks.