CVE-2016-3151 in ClickShare CSC-1
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in the wallpaper parsing functionality in Barco ClickShare CSC-1 devices with firmware before 01.09.03, CSM-1 devices with firmware before 01.06.02, and CSE-200 devices with firmware before 01.03.02 allows remote attackers to read /etc/shadow via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/28/2026
The vulnerability identified in Barco ClickShare CSC-1, CSM-1, and CSE-200 devices represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the wallpaper parsing functionality of the device firmware. This security defect allows remote attackers to access sensitive system files that are typically restricted from user-level or unauthenticated network access. Specifically, the vulnerability enables the reading of the /etc/shadow file, which on Linux-based systems contains password hashes and other authentication-related data for all users on the operating system. The affected versions include firmware prior to 01.09.03 for CSC-1 devices, prior to 01.06.02 for CSM-1 devices, and prior to 01.03.02 for CSE-200 devices. This issue stems from insufficient validation of user-supplied input during the processing of wallpaper images or configuration files that dictate visual settings on these presentation collaboration systems.
From a technical perspective, this vulnerability is classified under CWE-22: Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory. The flaw occurs because the application fails to properly sanitize file paths provided by users before using them in system calls to read or process files. By manipulating the input string with directory traversal sequences such as ../, an attacker can escape the intended directory structure and access arbitrary locations on the filesystem. In this specific instance, the lack of boundary checks allows the request to traverse up from the designated wallpaper storage directory directly into root-level directories where sensitive configuration and authentication data reside. This type of error is a classic example of path manipulation that has been prevalent in web applications and embedded systems for decades due to inconsistent implementation of input validation routines.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe, primarily because it compromises the confidentiality of critical system credentials. The /etc/shadow file contains hashed passwords for all user accounts on the device's operating system. If an attacker successfully retrieves these hashes, they can attempt offline brute-force or dictionary attacks to crack the password values. Successful cracking would grant the attacker full administrative access to the underlying Linux environment hosting the ClickShare software. This level of compromise allows for further exploitation, including lateral movement within a corporate network if the device is connected to one, installation of persistent backdoors, or complete denial of service by altering system configurations. Given that these devices are often used in meeting rooms and conference halls with varying levels of physical security but potentially exposed network interfaces, the risk of remote exploitation remains significant.
This vulnerability aligns with several MITRE ATT&CK techniques related to initial access and credential discovery. Specifically, it relates to T1083: File and Directory Discovery, where adversaries search for sensitive files on compromised systems. Furthermore, since the ultimate goal is often to obtain credentials for further lateral movement or privilege escalation, it connects to T1552: Unsecured Credentials, particularly when attackers extract password hashes from system files like shadow. The ability to read these files without authentication also touches upon T1078: Valid Accounts if the attacker uses obtained credentials to log in as a legitimate user with higher privileges. Understanding this mapping helps security teams prioritize remediation efforts based on known adversary behaviors and tactics commonly observed in targeted attacks against corporate infrastructure.
To mitigate this risk, organizations must immediately update the firmware of all affected Barco ClickShare devices to versions 01.09.03 or later for CSC-1 models, 01.06.02 or later for CSM-1 models, and 01.03.02 or later for CSE-200 models. These updated releases contain patches that enforce strict input validation on the wallpaper parsing module, ensuring that any file path requests are confined to allowed directories. In addition to applying vendor-supplied updates, administrators should review network segmentation policies to ensure that ClickShare devices reside in isolated VLANs with restricted access controls, limiting exposure to untrusted networks. Regular vulnerability scanning and penetration testing of IoT and collaboration endpoints can help identify similar misconfigurations or outdated software components before they are exploited by malicious actors.