CVE-2017-16198 in ritp
Summary
by MITRE
ritp is a static web server. ritp is vulnerable to a directory traversal issue whereby an attacker can gain access to the file system by placing ../ in the URL. Access is restricted to files with a file extension, so files such as /etc/passwd are not accessible.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/16/2020
The CVE-2017-16198 vulnerability affects ritp, a static web server implementation that suffers from a directory traversal flaw allowing unauthorized file system access through crafted URL requests. This vulnerability represents a classic path traversal attack vector that exploits insufficient input validation in the web server's file path resolution mechanism. The flaw specifically enables attackers to navigate beyond the intended document root directory by utilizing the ../ sequence in Uniform Resource Locators, potentially exposing sensitive system files and data to unauthorized access.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the web server's failure to properly sanitize or validate user-supplied input before using it to construct file paths. When a request contains directory traversal sequences such as ../, the server processes these components without adequate filtering or normalization, allowing the attacker to reference files outside the designated web root directory. This issue is categorized under CWE-22, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The vulnerability demonstrates a fundamental flaw in input validation and access control mechanisms within the web server's file handling routines.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it creates potential pathways for further exploitation and system compromise. While the affected web server restricts access to files with extensions, this limitation does not prevent attackers from accessing configuration files, log files, or other sensitive data that might be stored in accessible directories. The restriction to files with extensions suggests the server may have some basic filtering mechanisms in place, but these are insufficient to prevent the traversal attack. Attackers could potentially leverage this vulnerability to access application configuration files, database connection details, or other sensitive information that could facilitate more sophisticated attacks.
Security practitioners should consider this vulnerability in the context of broader attack patterns documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly within the credential access and defense evasion tactics. The directory traversal vulnerability enables attackers to bypass normal access controls and potentially gain access to system resources that should remain protected. Organizations running affected versions of ritp should implement immediate mitigations including input validation, proper path normalization, and access control restrictions. The recommended approaches include implementing strict input validation to filter out directory traversal sequences, configuring the web server to use chroot environments, and ensuring that all file access operations use absolute paths with proper validation. Additionally, regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other web applications and services within the organization's infrastructure.