CVE-2017-16178 in intsol-package
Summary
by MITRE
intsol-package is a file server. intsol-package 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 • 02/16/2020
The CVE-2017-16178 vulnerability represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the intsol-package file server implementation. This vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization of user-supplied URLs, allowing malicious actors to manipulate file access patterns through the strategic insertion of directory traversal sequences. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the application fails to properly validate or sanitize URL parameters containing "../" sequences, which are standard Unix/Linux directory navigation patterns used to move up one directory level in the file system hierarchy.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs at the application layer where the file server processes incoming requests without adequate sanitization of the requested file paths. When an attacker crafts a malicious URL containing directory traversal sequences such as "../", the vulnerable application interprets these sequences as legitimate navigation commands rather than malicious input. This misinterpretation allows the attacker to traverse beyond the intended directory boundaries and access files that should remain restricted, potentially exposing sensitive system files, configuration data, or user information stored outside the designated file serving scope.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability presents a severe threat to system security and data integrity. An attacker with knowledge of the vulnerable application can gain unauthorized access to arbitrary files on the server, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability enables access to system configuration files, user credentials, application source code, and other sensitive data that may be stored within the server's file system. This access can facilitate further attacks including privilege escalation, data exfiltration, or the deployment of additional malicious payloads within the compromised environment.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. This classification indicates the fundamental flaw lies in the application's failure to properly restrict file access to authorized directories, creating an opening for attackers to navigate beyond intended boundaries. The attack vector follows patterns consistent with ATT&CK technique T1083, which focuses on discovering files and directories, and T1566, which encompasses social engineering techniques that may be employed to gain initial access to systems before exploiting such path traversal vulnerabilities.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-16178 should prioritize immediate implementation of input validation and sanitization measures within the application's URL processing logic. The most effective approach involves implementing strict path validation that rejects any input containing directory traversal sequences or performing proper canonicalization of file paths to ensure that requested resources remain within the intended directory boundaries. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and privilege separation mechanisms can limit the damage from successful exploitation attempts. Regular security audits, input validation testing, and adherence to secure coding practices should be enforced to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in future implementations. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious URL patterns that may indicate attempted exploitation of this vulnerability.