CVE-2016-9349 in SUISAccess Server
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered in Advantech SUISAccess Server Version 3.0 and prior. An attacker could traverse the file system and extract files that can result in information disclosure.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/26/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-9349 affects Advantech SUISAccess Server version 3.0 and earlier implementations, representing a critical path traversal flaw that exposes sensitive system information. This vulnerability resides within the server's file handling mechanisms and allows unauthorized actors to manipulate file access paths to retrieve files that should remain protected. The issue stems from insufficient input validation and inadequate path sanitization within the server's file system operations, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged for information disclosure attacks.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious input that contains sequences such as "../" or similar path manipulation techniques to navigate beyond the intended directory boundaries. The SUISAccess Server's failure to properly validate and sanitize file path inputs creates a direct pathway for attackers to access files outside of the designated application directories, potentially exposing configuration files, user credentials, system logs, and other sensitive data that should remain isolated from unauthorized access.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to industrial control systems and manufacturing environments where Advantech SUISAccess Server is deployed. The information disclosure resulting from this flaw can provide attackers with detailed insights into system architecture, network configurations, and potentially sensitive operational data that could be used for further exploitation or targeted attacks. The impact extends beyond simple data exposure, as the compromised information could enable attackers to map network topology, identify system vulnerabilities, or extract credentials that could facilitate lateral movement within the industrial network environment. Organizations utilizing this server in critical infrastructure settings face heightened risk of operational disruption and potential safety hazards due to the exposed sensitive information.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-9349 should prioritize immediate implementation of software updates and patches provided by Advantech to address the path traversal vulnerability. System administrators should also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of the SUISAccess Server to only authorized personnel and systems. Additional protective measures include implementing robust input validation mechanisms, enforcing strict file access controls, and conducting regular security assessments of industrial control systems. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices and input validation in industrial environments where system integrity and data confidentiality are paramount. Organizations should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems and monitoring for suspicious file access patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical need for comprehensive security testing and vulnerability management in industrial control systems, where the consequences of information disclosure can extend beyond traditional cybersecurity concerns to impact operational technology environments and potentially physical safety systems.