CVE-2015-1003 in embeddedWebServer
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in IniNet embeddedWebServer (aka eWebServer) before 2.02 allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a crafted pathname.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/17/2018
The directory traversal vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-1003 affects IniNet embeddedWebServer also known as eWebServer version 2.01 and earlier. This vulnerability resides in the web server component that handles file access requests, creating a critical security gap that enables remote attackers to bypass normal access controls. The flaw manifests when the server fails to properly validate or sanitize user-supplied input containing file path information, allowing malicious actors to manipulate directory navigation sequences. Such vulnerabilities are particularly dangerous in embedded systems where network accessibility is common and security considerations may be less stringent than in enterprise environments. The vulnerability enables attackers to access files outside the intended web root directory, potentially exposing sensitive system information, configuration files, or even system binaries that should remain protected from external access.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the file handling routines of the embedded web server. When a user submits a request containing a crafted pathname, the server processes the request without properly sanitizing the path components, allowing traversal sequences such as "../" or similar directory navigation patterns to be interpreted literally. This failure to validate user input against a whitelist of acceptable characters and path structures creates a condition where attackers can manipulate the file system access logic to traverse directories beyond the intended scope. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-22 as "Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal')" which is a well-documented weakness in software applications that handle file system operations. This particular implementation flaw allows the attacker to construct malicious URLs that, when processed by the vulnerable web server, result in unintended file access operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can enable attackers to access critical system files that may contain sensitive configuration data, authentication credentials, or system logs. In embedded environments, this could potentially lead to complete system compromise where attackers gain access to system binaries, configuration files, or even the ability to execute arbitrary code through the exposure of system resources. The remote nature of this attack means that an attacker does not require physical access to the device, making it particularly concerning for network-connected embedded systems. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and T1566 (Phishing with Malicious Attachment) as attackers may use this technique to discover system files and potentially escalate privileges. The vulnerability is especially dangerous in industrial control systems or IoT devices where embedded web servers are commonly deployed, as it can provide unauthorized access to operational systems that should remain isolated from external threats.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of the embedded web server software to version 2.02 or later, which contains the necessary input validation fixes. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit access to embedded devices running vulnerable software, ensuring that only authorized personnel can access these systems. Input validation should be implemented at multiple layers including application-level filtering of path parameters and network-level access controls to prevent malicious requests from reaching the vulnerable component. Additionally, system administrators should conduct regular security assessments of embedded systems to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities. The implementation of principle of least privilege should be enforced where the web server runs with minimal necessary permissions, limiting the damage that can occur if traversal attacks succeed. Regular monitoring of system logs for suspicious file access patterns and implementing intrusion detection systems can help identify exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block known traversal attack patterns before they reach the vulnerable web server component. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices in embedded systems development and the necessity of thorough security testing for all components that handle user input and file system operations.