CVE-2017-16084 in list-n-stream
Summary
by MITRE
list-n-stream is a server for static files to list and stream local videos. list-n-stream v0.0.10 or lower is vulnerable to a directory traversal issue, giving an attacker access to the filesystem by placing "../" in the url.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/15/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-16084 affects list-n-stream version 0.0.10 and earlier, representing a critical directory traversal flaw that exposes the underlying filesystem to unauthorized access. This server application, designed to serve static files and provide video listing and streaming capabilities, fails to properly validate user-supplied input in URL parameters. The flaw stems from insufficient input sanitization and path validation mechanisms within the application's file handling routines, allowing malicious actors to manipulate URL paths through the use of directory traversal sequences such as "../". This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The attack vector leverages the application's failure to sanitize or validate file paths before processing, creating an opportunity for attackers to navigate beyond the intended directory structure and access arbitrary files on the server.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file access, as it provides attackers with the ability to explore the entire filesystem hierarchy from the application's perspective. This can lead to exposure of sensitive configuration files, source code, authentication credentials, system logs, and other confidential data that may be stored on the same server. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in environments where the application runs with elevated privileges or where sensitive data is stored in accessible locations. Attackers can exploit this flaw to execute reconnaissance activities, gather intelligence about the system's configuration, and potentially escalate their privileges by accessing system files or application-specific credentials. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083, which covers discovering file and directory permissions, as the attacker can systematically explore the filesystem to identify accessible resources and potential privilege escalation paths. The impact is compounded by the fact that this vulnerability affects a media streaming application, which often runs in environments with extensive file access requirements, making the potential exposure of sensitive data more significant.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-16084 should prioritize immediate patching of the affected software to version 0.0.11 or later, which includes proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation at multiple layers, including application-level sanitization of URL parameters, implementation of strict path validation routines, and the use of allowlists for acceptable file paths. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls can provide additional defense-in-depth measures by detecting and blocking suspicious traversal patterns in URL requests. Security configurations should enforce least privilege principles, ensuring that the application runs with minimal required permissions and that file system access is restricted to only necessary directories. Regular security assessments should include testing for directory traversal vulnerabilities using automated scanning tools and manual penetration testing techniques. Additionally, implementing proper logging and monitoring of file access patterns can help detect exploitation attempts and provide forensic evidence for security incident response activities. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation and proper access control mechanisms in preventing unauthorized system access, aligning with security best practices outlined in industry standards such as NIST SP 800-160 and ISO/IEC 27001 for secure software development lifecycle practices.