CVE-2017-11469 in Uptime Monitor
Summary
by MITRE
get2post.php in IDERA Uptime Monitor 7.8 has directory traversal in the file_name parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/30/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-11469 affects IDERA Uptime Monitor version 7.8 and resides within the get2post.php script which is susceptible to directory traversal attacks through the file_name parameter. This represents a critical security flaw that allows attackers to access arbitrary files on the server by manipulating the file_name input parameter. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly restrict file path access, enabling malicious users to traverse directory structures beyond the intended scope of the application.
Directory traversal vulnerabilities fall under the common weakness enumeration CWE-22 which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, also known as path traversal or directory traversal. This weakness allows attackers to access files and directories that are stored outside the web root directory, potentially leading to unauthorized access to sensitive information, system files, or configuration data. The attack vector in this case exploits the lack of proper input filtering that would normally validate or sanitize user-supplied file paths before processing them within the application context.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can potentially enable attackers to gain deeper system access through the exposure of sensitive configuration files, database credentials, or application source code. In the context of Uptime Monitor, which is designed to monitor and manage network infrastructure, successful exploitation could provide attackers with access to monitoring data, system credentials, or even allow them to manipulate the monitoring functionality itself. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of the monitored environment, potentially enabling persistent access or further exploitation of the compromised system.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate input validation and sanitization of all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in file operations. Implementing proper path validation that ensures file names are restricted to a specific directory and do not contain directory traversal sequences such as ../ or ..\ should be enforced. Additionally, the application should be updated to a patched version that addresses the directory traversal flaw, and administrators should implement proper access controls and file permissions to minimize the impact of potential exploitation. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and security monitoring to detect and prevent exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083 which covers directory traversal attacks and represents a fundamental security weakness that requires both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements to prevent similar issues in other components of the application stack.