CVE-2017-16187 in open-device
Summary
by MITRE
open-device creates a web interface for any device. open-device 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 vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-16187 affects open-device, a software solution designed to create web interfaces for various devices. This system presents a critical directory traversal flaw that fundamentally compromises the security boundaries of the affected platform. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the web interface component, allowing remote attackers to manipulate URL parameters and navigate beyond the intended directory structure. When attackers append "../" sequences to URLs, they can traverse the file system hierarchy and access sensitive files that should remain restricted to authorized users only. This issue represents a classic path traversal vulnerability that has been documented in numerous security frameworks and standards.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs at the application layer where user-supplied input is directly incorporated into file system operations without proper sanitization or validation. The web interface processes URL parameters without enforcing proper path restrictions, enabling attackers to craft malicious requests that bypass normal access controls. This flaw aligns with CWE-22, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal. The vulnerability can be exploited through simple HTTP requests that manipulate the URL structure to access system files, configuration data, or other sensitive resources that reside outside the intended web root directory.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can provide attackers with comprehensive access to the underlying file system. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can potentially read sensitive configuration files, access source code repositories, retrieve user credentials, and even execute arbitrary commands if the system allows file execution. The attack surface is particularly concerning for open-device implementations that may be deployed in enterprise environments where device management interfaces are accessible from untrusted networks. This vulnerability can be leveraged to escalate privileges, gain persistent access to systems, and potentially establish backdoors within the device management infrastructure. The implications are further amplified when considering that the vulnerability affects a system designed to interface with various devices, potentially allowing attackers to compromise multiple connected systems through a single successful exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-16187 should focus on implementing robust input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the web interface component. Organizations should immediately apply the vendor-supplied patches or updates that address the directory traversal vulnerability through proper path normalization and validation. The implementation of a whitelist-based approach for URL parameter handling, combined with strict access control measures, can effectively prevent unauthorized directory traversal attempts. Additionally, security hardening measures should include configuring the web server to restrict access to sensitive directories, implementing proper authentication and authorization controls, and deploying web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious path traversal attempts. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving path traversal and privilege escalation, making it a critical target for both defensive and offensive security operations. The remediation process should also include comprehensive security testing, including penetration testing and code reviews, to identify and address similar vulnerabilities that may exist within the broader application architecture.