CVE-2016-9339 in Maritime Systems VDR G4e
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered in INTERSCHALT Maritime Systems VDR G4e Versions 5.220 and prior. External input is used to construct paths to files and directories without properly neutralizing special elements within the pathname that could allow an attacker to read files on the system, a Path Traversal.
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/02/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-9339 affects INTERSCHALT Maritime Systems VDR G4e software version 5.220 and earlier, representing a critical path traversal flaw that exposes the system to unauthorized file access. This issue stems from insufficient input validation mechanisms within the application's file handling processes, where external inputs are directly incorporated into file path constructions without proper sanitization or neutralization of special characters that could manipulate the intended file access behavior.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows attackers to exploit the lack of proper path validation by injecting malicious sequences into file path requests, enabling them to navigate beyond the intended directory boundaries and access arbitrary files on the system. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-22 category, which specifically addresses path traversal or directory traversal attacks that occur when applications fail to properly validate or sanitize user-supplied input before using it in file system operations. The flaw represents a fundamental breakdown in input validation and access control mechanisms that should prevent unauthorized file system access.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to maritime navigation data systems, as it allows potential attackers to access sensitive operational files, configuration data, and potentially proprietary software components that could compromise the integrity of the vessel's navigation and monitoring systems. The impact extends beyond simple data theft, as unauthorized access to system files could enable attackers to modify critical operational parameters or escalate privileges within the system. This vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and T1566 (Phishing with Malicious Attachment) as attackers could leverage this flaw to gain access to sensitive data that could be used for further exploitation or system compromise.
The mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms that neutralize special path characters such as double dots, forward slashes, and backslashes before they are processed in file system operations. Organizations should implement strict path validation routines that ensure all file access requests are properly validated against a whitelist of acceptable paths and file names. Additionally, the system should be configured with minimal privileges and access controls to limit the potential damage from successful exploitation. Regular security updates and patch management processes should be implemented to address similar vulnerabilities in the future, while also conducting thorough code reviews focusing on file system access patterns to prevent similar issues from emerging in other system components. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation in security-critical applications, particularly in maritime systems where operational integrity and data protection are paramount for safe navigation and compliance with international maritime regulations.