CVE-2016-2307 in Aspect-Nexus Building Automation Front-End
Summary
by MITRE
American Auto-Matrix Aspect-Nexus Building Automation Front-End Solutions application before 3.0.0 and Aspect-Matrix Building Automation Front-End Solutions application allow remote attackers to read arbitrary files via unspecified vectors, as demonstrated by the configuration file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/03/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-2307 affects American Auto-Matrix Aspect-Nexus and Aspect-Matrix Building Automation Front-End Solutions applications prior to version 3.0.0, representing a critical security flaw that enables remote attackers to access arbitrary files on the affected systems. This vulnerability falls under the category of insecure direct object reference and path traversal issues, which are commonly classified as CWE-22 and CWE-23 in the Common Weakness Enumeration catalog. The flaw manifests through unspecified vectors that allow unauthorized access to sensitive configuration files and potentially other system resources, compromising the integrity and confidentiality of building automation systems that rely on these platforms for critical infrastructure management.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and improper access controls within the application's file handling mechanisms. Attackers can exploit this weakness to traverse the file system and retrieve sensitive information that should remain restricted to authorized personnel only. The vulnerability specifically targets the front-end solutions used in building automation systems, which typically contain configuration data, user credentials, system parameters, and other sensitive operational information. These building automation systems are increasingly connected to broader network infrastructures, making the exploitation of such vulnerabilities particularly dangerous as they can serve as entry points for more extensive network compromise.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-2307 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as building automation systems control critical infrastructure elements including HVAC systems, lighting controls, security systems, and access management. Successful exploitation could allow attackers to gain insights into system configurations, potentially enabling them to identify additional vulnerabilities or plan more sophisticated attacks. The attack surface is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where building automation systems are integrated with corporate networks, as this vulnerability could facilitate lateral movement and privilege escalation attempts. The threat landscape for such vulnerabilities aligns with tactics described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the reconnaissance and credential access phases, where attackers seek to gather system information and identify potential access points.
Organizations utilizing affected Aspect-Matrix building automation solutions should prioritize immediate remediation through the installation of patches or updates to version 3.0.0 or later, which address the file access control vulnerabilities. Security teams should implement network segmentation to limit access to building automation systems and monitor for unusual file access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, regular security assessments of industrial control systems should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other legacy systems. The mitigation strategies should align with NIST SP 800-82 guidelines for industrial control systems security, emphasizing the importance of secure configuration management and access control policies. Organizations should also consider implementing network monitoring solutions that can detect and alert on suspicious file access attempts, particularly those targeting system configuration files and sensitive operational data.