CVE-2017-10861 in QND
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in QND Advance/Standard allows an attacker to read arbitrary files via a specially crafted command.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/25/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-10861 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within QND Advance/Standard software systems, specifically affecting versions prior to 1.2.0. This weakness enables malicious actors to bypass normal access controls and retrieve sensitive files from the underlying file system through carefully constructed commands. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and improper sanitization of user-supplied data within the application's command processing mechanisms. Attackers can exploit this issue by crafting malicious input that includes directory traversal sequences such as ../ or ..\, allowing them to navigate outside the intended directory structure and access files that should remain restricted. The flaw exists at the application layer where user input is directly processed without adequate security controls to prevent path manipulation attacks.
This directory traversal vulnerability maps directly to CWE-22, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The weakness creates a significant security risk by allowing unauthorized access to sensitive information that may include configuration files, database credentials, application source code, or other confidential data stored within the system. The impact extends beyond simple information disclosure, as attackers could potentially access system files, log files, or other resources that might contain authentication tokens, encryption keys, or other sensitive materials. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality and integrity aspects of the CIA triad, as it allows unauthorized data access and could potentially enable further exploitation through the discovery of additional system vulnerabilities.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is substantial for organizations using affected QND Advance/Standard systems, as it provides attackers with a straightforward method to access sensitive data without requiring elevated privileges or complex attack vectors. The exploitability is relatively high due to the simplicity of crafting the malicious commands, making it a prime target for automated scanning tools and opportunistic attackers. Organizations may face regulatory compliance issues if sensitive data is accessed and potentially exfiltrated, particularly in environments governed by standards such as pci dss, hipaa, or gdpr. The vulnerability could also enable attackers to gain insights into the system architecture, potentially facilitating more sophisticated attacks such as privilege escalation or lateral movement within the network. Additionally, the exposure of system files might reveal implementation details that could be leveraged for further exploitation.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the vendor-provided patch version 1.2.0 or later, which addresses the directory traversal vulnerability through proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms. Network segmentation and access controls should be strengthened to limit exposure of affected systems to untrusted networks or users. Input validation should be enhanced at multiple layers including application-level filtering, web application firewalls, and network-based security controls to prevent malicious path traversal sequences from reaching the vulnerable components. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities within the application stack, while implementing principle of least privilege access controls to minimize potential damage from successful exploitation attempts. The mitigation strategy should also include monitoring for suspicious file access patterns and implementing proper logging mechanisms to detect and respond to potential exploitation attempts.