CVE-2017-16220 in wind-mvc
Summary
by MITRE
wind-mvc is an mvc framework. wind-mvc 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-2017-16220 affects the wind-mvc framework, a model-view-controller implementation used for web application development. This directory traversal flaw represents a critical security weakness that allows remote attackers to access arbitrary files on the server filesystem through manipulated URL parameters. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the framework's routing and file access mechanisms, creating an attack vector that directly compromises the application's file system security boundaries.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the wind-mvc framework fails to properly validate or sanitize user-supplied URL parameters that contain directory traversal sequences such as "../". When these sequences are processed without proper sanitization, the framework interprets them as legitimate path navigation commands, allowing attackers to traverse upward through the directory structure and access files outside the intended application scope. This behavior directly violates the principle of least privilege and exposes sensitive system resources including configuration files, source code, database credentials, and other confidential data that should remain protected from unauthorized access.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates severe consequences for organizations using the wind-mvc framework. Attackers can exploit this weakness to read sensitive files such as application configuration files, database connection strings, and potentially even system-level files that could provide footholds for further attacks. The vulnerability enables unauthorized data exfiltration, system reconnaissance, and can serve as a stepping stone for more sophisticated attacks including privilege escalation, lateral movement, and persistent access. The attack surface is particularly concerning as it allows access to the underlying file system without requiring authentication or specific user privileges, making it an attractive target for automated scanning and exploitation tools.
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 that the issue represents a fundamental flaw in input validation and access control implementation within the framework's core functionality. According to the MITRE ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to the T1083 technique for discovering files and directories, and could potentially lead to T1059 for command execution if attackers gain access to system resources. Organizations should consider implementing proper input validation, implementing secure coding practices that sanitize all user inputs, and ensuring that the framework is updated to a version that properly addresses this vulnerability through proper path validation and access control mechanisms.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-16220 should include immediate patching of the wind-mvc framework to the latest secure version that addresses the directory traversal vulnerability. Organizations must also implement proper input validation and sanitization at all entry points, particularly in URL parameter handling and file access routines. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be configured to limit access to sensitive endpoints, while implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious traversal attempts. Regular security testing including penetration testing and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in other applications and frameworks. Additionally, organizations should establish secure coding practices that emphasize proper path validation, implement proper access controls, and conduct regular security assessments to ensure that similar vulnerabilities are not present in other components of their web application infrastructure.