CVE-2017-14771 in Manager Client Application
Summary
by MITRE
Skybox Manager Client Application prior to 8.5.501 is prone to an arbitrary file upload vulnerability due to insufficient input validation of user-supplied files path when uploading files via the application. During a debugger-pause state, a local authenticated attacker can upload an arbitrary file and overwrite existing files within the scope of the affected application.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/21/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-14771 affects the Skybox Manager Client Application version 8.5.501 and earlier, presenting a critical arbitrary file upload flaw that stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms. This security weakness specifically manifests during file upload operations within the application's user interface, where the system fails to properly validate or sanitize user-supplied file paths before processing. The vulnerability creates a pathway for malicious actors to manipulate the file upload process and potentially gain unauthorized control over the application's file system.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a local authenticated attack vector where an attacker must first establish a valid session within the application. During a debugger-pause state, the attacker can leverage the insufficient validation to upload malicious files that can overwrite existing legitimate files within the application's operational scope. This particular condition creates a scenario where the application's file handling mechanisms do not adequately verify the integrity or destination of uploaded files, allowing for path traversal and file replacement attacks. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-434 which specifically addresses "Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type" and falls within the ATT&CK framework's technique T1059.001 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, as well as T1078 for Valid Accounts and T1566 for Phishing.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file overwrites, as it provides attackers with potential persistence mechanisms and privilege escalation opportunities within the affected environment. When an authenticated user with sufficient privileges executes the malicious upload during a debugger session, the attacker can potentially replace critical application binaries, configuration files, or other system components with malicious equivalents. This capability allows for long-term system compromise and can enable further attacks such as privilege escalation, data exfiltration, or lateral movement within the network. The vulnerability's local nature means that exploitation requires prior authentication, but once achieved, it can provide attackers with significant control over the application's operational environment.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-14771 should prioritize immediate application patching to version 8.5.501 or later, which includes proper input validation and sanitization of file paths during upload operations. Organizations should implement robust file validation mechanisms that check file extensions, content types, and paths against whitelisted parameters to prevent unauthorized file operations. Network segmentation and access controls should be enforced to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation, while monitoring systems should be configured to detect unusual file upload activities or unauthorized file modifications. Additionally, regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other application components, and security awareness training should be provided to users to prevent accidental exploitation through social engineering attacks that might lead to authentication. The implementation of proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms aligns with industry best practices outlined in OWASP Top 10 and NIST Cybersecurity Framework guidelines for preventing file upload vulnerabilities.