CVE-2017-16104 in citypredict.whauwiller
Summary
by MITRE
citypredict.whauwiller 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-2017-16104 affects the citypredict.whauwiller application, presenting a critical directory traversal flaw that enables remote attackers to access arbitrary files on the underlying filesystem. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the application's URL parameter handling mechanism, specifically when processing user-supplied paths. The flaw allows attackers to manipulate request parameters by injecting ../ sequences that traverse up the directory structure, effectively bypassing intended access controls and gaining unauthorized access to sensitive system files, configuration data, and potentially confidential information stored outside the intended web root directory.
The technical implementation of this 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. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious URLs containing directory traversal sequences that manipulate the application's file access routines. When the application processes these crafted requests without proper sanitization, it interprets the ../ sequences as legitimate path navigation commands, resulting in unauthorized file system access. This vulnerability typically occurs when applications directly use user input to construct file paths without adequate validation or filtering mechanisms, making it a prime target for exploitation in web applications that handle file operations.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-16104 extends beyond simple unauthorized file access, potentially enabling attackers to execute arbitrary code, escalate privileges, or obtain sensitive information such as database credentials, application configuration files, or system authentication data. Depending on the application's deployment and file system permissions, successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, or disruption of service availability. The vulnerability's severity is amplified by its remote exploitability, meaning attackers do not require local access or physical presence to exploit the flaw, making it particularly dangerous in internet-facing applications. Organizations using affected systems may experience unauthorized data access, regulatory compliance violations, and potential legal consequences due to data exposure incidents.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing robust input validation and sanitization mechanisms that prevent directory traversal sequences from being processed. The recommended approach includes implementing strict path validation that ensures all file access operations occur within designated directories, using allowlists of permitted paths rather than denylists that attempt to block malicious sequences. Organizations should also implement proper access controls and privilege separation, ensuring that web applications operate with minimal required permissions. Additionally, the implementation of web application firewalls and security monitoring systems can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications, while maintaining up-to-date security patches and following secure coding practices such as those outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity frameworks. The vulnerability also maps to ATT&CK technique T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and T1566 (Phishing), as attackers may use this flaw to discover system files and subsequently exploit them for further compromise.