CVE-2017-1000501 in AWStats
Summary
by MITRE
Awstats version 7.6 and earlier is vulnerable to a path traversal flaw in the handling of the "config" and "migrate" parameters resulting in unauthenticated remote code execution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/20/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-1000501 affects AWStats version 7.6 and earlier, presenting a critical security flaw that enables unauthenticated remote code execution through path traversal attacks. This vulnerability specifically targets the handling of two parameters named "config" and "migrate" within the AWStats web application framework. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and improper parameter sanitization, allowing attackers to manipulate file paths and execute arbitrary commands on the affected system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability resides in the application's failure to properly validate user-supplied input when processing the config and migrate parameters. When these parameters are processed without adequate sanitization, attackers can exploit the weakness by crafting malicious input that traverses the file system using directory traversal sequences such as ../ or ..\.. The vulnerability manifests as a path traversal flaw categorized under CWE-22, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory. This weakness allows attackers to access files outside the intended directory structure, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-1000501 is severe and far-reaching, as it enables attackers to execute arbitrary code on the target system without requiring authentication credentials. This unauthenticated remote code execution capability means that any user with access to the vulnerable AWStats web interface can potentially gain full control over the underlying server. The vulnerability can be exploited through various attack vectors, including web browser-based exploitation, automated scanning tools, or manual attack techniques. Attackers can leverage this flaw to install backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, modify system configurations, or use the compromised server as a launchpad for further attacks within the network infrastructure.
Security professionals should implement immediate mitigations to address this vulnerability, including upgrading to AWStats version 7.7 or later where the path traversal flaws have been resolved. Additionally, network segmentation and access controls should be enforced to limit exposure of AWStats installations to untrusted networks. The implementation of web application firewalls can provide additional protection layers by detecting and blocking malicious path traversal attempts. Organizations should also conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify all instances of affected AWStats installations and ensure proper patch management procedures are in place. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1059 for command and scripting interpreter and T1021 for remote services, indicating the exploitation techniques that attackers can employ through this path traversal flaw. Regular security monitoring and log analysis should be implemented to detect potential exploitation attempts, while incident response procedures should be updated to address potential compromise scenarios arising from this vulnerability.