CVE-2017-15583 in Fox515T
Summary
by MITRE
The embedded web server on ABB Fox515T 1.0 devices is vulnerable to Local File Inclusion. It accepts a parameter that specifies a file for display or for use as a template. The filename is not validated; an attacker could retrieve any file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/25/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-15583 affects ABB Fox515T 1.0 industrial devices that incorporate an embedded web server for remote management and monitoring purposes. This particular device operates within industrial control systems where security is paramount due to the critical nature of the infrastructure it manages. The embedded web server serves as a primary interface for administrators to access device configuration, monitor system status, and perform maintenance tasks through a web-based user interface. The device's architecture includes a parameter that allows users to specify files for display or template usage, which creates a legitimate functionality for system administration but introduces a critical security flaw when not properly validated.
The technical flaw stems from inadequate input validation within the embedded web server implementation. When a user specifies a filename through the web interface parameter, the system does not perform proper sanitization or validation of the input before processing the file request. This lack of validation creates a local file inclusion vulnerability that allows attackers to manipulate the parameter to access arbitrary files on the device's filesystem. The vulnerability operates at the application level where user-supplied input directly influences file system operations, making it particularly dangerous in industrial environments where sensitive configuration data, system logs, and potentially proprietary information may be stored on the device.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with unauthorized access to critical system resources that could compromise the integrity and availability of the industrial control system. An attacker could potentially retrieve sensitive configuration files that contain system credentials, network settings, or operational parameters that could be used for further attacks against the broader industrial network. The vulnerability also enables attackers to access system logs that might reveal operational patterns, security events, or other information that could be exploited to target other components within the industrial ecosystem. This access could facilitate more sophisticated attacks such as privilege escalation, system compromise, or even disruption of critical industrial processes that depend on the Fox515T device.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. This weakness specifically manifests in web applications where user input is not properly validated before being used in file operations. From an adversarial perspective, this vulnerability maps to multiple ATT&CK techniques including T1059 for command and script interpreter and T1071 for application layer protocol, as attackers could leverage the ability to retrieve system files to gather intelligence and potentially escalate privileges. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including input validation and sanitization of all user-supplied parameters, restricting file access to only necessary system files, and deploying network segmentation to limit access to these industrial devices. Additionally, regular security assessments and firmware updates should be implemented to address similar vulnerabilities in industrial control systems that may be susceptible to similar path traversal attacks.