CVE-2017-16020 in Summit
Summary
by MITRE
Summit is a node web framework. When using the PouchDB driver in the module, Summit 0.1.0 and later allows an attacker to execute arbitrary commands via the collection name.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/21/2023
CVE-2017-16020 represents a critical command injection vulnerability within the Summit node web framework that leverages the PouchDB driver implementation. This vulnerability exists in Summit versions 0.1.0 and later, where the framework fails to properly sanitize user-supplied input when processing collection names within the PouchDB database driver. The flaw occurs during the dynamic construction of database operations where attacker-controlled data is directly incorporated into command execution contexts without adequate validation or escaping mechanisms. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the framework processes collection names that contain malicious payloads, allowing an attacker to inject arbitrary commands that get executed within the context of the web application's runtime environment. This represents a classic command injection flaw that can be categorized under CWE-77 and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and script injection.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an attacker to craft a malicious collection name that, when processed by Summit's PouchDB driver, results in unintended command execution. The flaw stems from insufficient input sanitization where user-provided collection identifiers are treated as literal command parameters rather than isolated data elements. When Summit processes these collection names, it likely constructs shell commands or database queries that incorporate the unsanitized input directly into execution paths. This creates a pathway for remote code execution where attackers can leverage the framework's database operations to execute arbitrary system commands with the privileges of the web application process. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the framework level where database operations are translated into actual system commands, bypassing typical web application security controls.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-16020 extends beyond simple remote code execution to encompass potential full system compromise and data exfiltration capabilities. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can execute commands with the same privileges as the web application, potentially leading to unauthorized access to sensitive data, system file manipulation, or even lateral movement within the network infrastructure. The attack surface is broad as any application using Summit with PouchDB driver becomes vulnerable, making this a critical concern for organizations deploying this framework. The vulnerability can be exploited remotely without authentication, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible web applications. Organizations may face significant security implications including data breaches, service disruption, and potential regulatory compliance violations due to unauthorized system access and data manipulation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-16020 should focus on immediate patching of affected Summit versions to address the input sanitization flaws in the PouchDB driver implementation. Organizations should implement strict input validation and sanitization measures that prevent malicious payloads from being processed as collection names, particularly when these inputs are used in dynamic command construction contexts. Network segmentation and access controls should be strengthened to limit exposure of vulnerable applications, while monitoring systems should be enhanced to detect suspicious command execution patterns. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing web application firewalls and runtime application self-protection measures to detect and block malicious input attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices in framework-level components and demonstrates the critical need for input validation at all layers of application processing, particularly when dealing with dynamic database operations that translate user input into system commands.