CVE-2017-14943 in TransitMaster
Summary
by MITRE
Trapeze TransitMaster is vulnerable to information disclosure (emails / hashed passwords) via a modified userID field in JSON data to ManageSubscriber.aspx/GetSubscriber. NOTE: this software is independently deployed at multiple municipal transit systems; it is not found exclusively on the "webwatch.(REDACTED).com" server mentioned in the reference.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/23/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-14943 affects Trapeze TransitMaster software, a widely deployed transit management system utilized across multiple municipal transit networks. This information disclosure vulnerability specifically manifests through improper input validation within the ManageSubscriber.aspx/GetSubscriber web service endpoint. The flaw allows attackers to manipulate the userID field in JSON data payloads, potentially exposing sensitive information including email addresses and hashed passwords stored within the system's database. Given the critical infrastructure nature of transit systems, this vulnerability represents a significant security risk that could compromise passenger data and operational integrity. The affected software operates independently across various municipal deployments, making the potential impact widespread and diverse.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient validation and sanitization of user input parameters within the JSON data processing pipeline. When the ManageSubscriber.aspx/GetSubscriber endpoint receives a modified userID field, the application fails to properly validate or sanitize the input before processing it against the subscriber database. This lack of input validation creates a path for attackers to craft malicious JSON payloads that can manipulate the data retrieval process. The vulnerability is classified as an information disclosure issue under CWE-200, which encompasses weaknesses that allow unauthorized information access. The specific nature of the flaw aligns with CWE-772, which deals with improper restriction of operations within a limited context, and CWE-20, representing input validation issues that can lead to various security consequences including information disclosure.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data exposure, as it could enable attackers to enumerate user accounts and potentially facilitate further attacks within the transit system's network. The disclosure of email addresses provides attackers with additional attack surface for social engineering and credential stuffing attacks against users. The presence of hashed passwords, while not immediately exploitable, creates a potential future risk if the hashing mechanisms prove weak or if attackers can leverage the information for targeted attacks. Organizations using Trapeze TransitMaster systems face potential compliance violations under data protection regulations such as GDPR or HIPAA, depending on the jurisdiction and type of transit data handled. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that the software operates in critical infrastructure environments where system availability and data integrity are paramount for public safety and operational continuity.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate input validation and sanitization implementation within the affected web service endpoint. Organizations should implement strict parameter validation for all user inputs, particularly those used in database query construction. The solution requires proper sanitization of JSON data fields before processing, ensuring that only expected data formats and values are accepted. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and authentication mechanisms can help limit the exposure of sensitive data even if input validation fails. Organizations should also conduct comprehensive security assessments of their transit management systems to identify similar vulnerabilities in other endpoints. The remediation approach aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004, which involves application layer protocol manipulation, and addresses the broader category of information disclosure threats. Regular security updates and penetration testing should be implemented to maintain system integrity and prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in other components of the transit management infrastructure.