CVE-2017-16037 in gomeplus-h5-proxy
Summary
by MITRE
`gomeplus-h5-proxy` is vulnerable to a directory traversal issue, allowing attackers to access any file in the system by placing '../' in the URL.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/14/2020
The gomeplus-h5-proxy application presents a critical directory traversal vulnerability that fundamentally compromises system security through improper input validation. This flaw exists within the proxy's URL handling mechanism where user-supplied path components are not adequately sanitized or validated before being processed. The vulnerability stems from the application's failure to properly validate and sanitize file path inputs, allowing attackers to manipulate URL parameters to navigate outside the intended directory structure. When '../' sequences are included in the URL, the proxy fails to properly resolve these path traversal attempts, enabling unauthorized access to arbitrary files on the underlying filesystem. This represents a classic implementation flaw that violates fundamental security principles of input validation and access control.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a well-established pattern that aligns with common attack vectors documented in the ATT&CK framework under credential access and privilege escalation techniques. The flaw operates at the application layer where the proxy service processes incoming requests and resolves file paths without proper sanitization of user-controllable input. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to access sensitive system files including configuration files, database credentials, application source code, and other confidential data that should remain protected. The vulnerability specifically relates to CWE-22 which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. This weakness allows an attacker to access files and directories that are stored outside the intended directory structure, effectively bypassing access controls and potentially gaining access to critical system resources.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it creates a potential attack surface that could lead to complete system compromise. An attacker with access to this vulnerability can systematically enumerate and access sensitive files across the system, potentially obtaining database connection strings, API keys, private certificates, and application configuration files that could serve as entry points for further attacks. The implications are particularly severe in cloud environments where such proxy services often serve as gateways to internal systems, potentially allowing attackers to access backend databases, internal services, or other protected resources. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that it operates at the network level and requires minimal privileges to exploit, making it particularly dangerous for applications that process user input through proxy mechanisms.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing robust input validation and proper path sanitization techniques that align with industry best practices. Organizations should immediately implement proper path normalization and validation to ensure that user-supplied inputs cannot contain directory traversal sequences. The recommended approach includes implementing whitelist-based validation of file paths, using secure file access APIs that prevent path traversal, and implementing proper access controls that restrict file system access to authorized components only. Security measures should also include regular input sanitization, implementing proper authentication and authorization checks, and conducting thorough security testing including penetration testing and code review processes. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing web application firewalls and security monitoring to detect and prevent exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of input validation and proper access control implementation, as outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and other security standards that emphasize the need for defense in depth strategies to protect against common web application vulnerabilities.