CVE-2017-16744 in Niagara AX
Summary
by MITRE
A path traversal vulnerability in Tridium Niagara AX Versions 3.8 and prior and Niagara 4 systems Versions 4.4 and prior installed on Microsoft Windows Systems can be exploited by leveraging valid platform (administrator) credentials.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/16/2020
This vulnerability represents a critical path traversal flaw in Tridium Niagara AX and Niagara 4 systems that affects versions 3.8 and earlier as well as Niagara 4 versions 4.4 and earlier running on Microsoft Windows platforms. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the system's file handling mechanisms, allowing authenticated attackers with administrator credentials to manipulate file paths and access unauthorized directories. The flaw specifically manifests when the system processes file operations without properly sanitizing user-supplied input that contains directory traversal sequences such as ../ or ..\.. which can be used to navigate outside the intended directory structure. This type of vulnerability is classified under CWE-22 as Path Traversal and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for path traversal attacks. The security implications are severe as it enables attackers to bypass normal access controls and potentially read sensitive system files, configuration data, or even execute arbitrary code depending on the system's file permissions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized file access, as it can enable attackers to escalate privileges and gain deeper system control. When exploited, the vulnerability allows an authenticated attacker with administrator credentials to traverse the file system hierarchy and potentially access critical system files, application configuration files, or other sensitive data that should be restricted. This can lead to complete system compromise and data exfiltration. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in industrial control systems where Niagara platforms are commonly deployed, as it can provide attackers with access to operational data that may be critical to system functionality. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to access configuration files containing sensitive information such as passwords, system settings, or operational parameters that could be used for further exploitation or to disrupt system operations. The vulnerability's presence in both Niagara AX and Niagara 4 versions indicates a fundamental flaw in the platform's file handling logic that affects multiple generations of the software.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate attention and should include applying the vendor-provided patches and updates that address the path traversal issue in affected versions. Organizations should also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of Niagara systems to untrusted networks. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by ensuring that only authorized personnel have administrator credentials, and multi-factor authentication should be implemented where possible. System monitoring and logging should be enhanced to detect suspicious file access patterns or attempts to traverse directory structures. Additionally, regular security assessments should be conducted to identify other potential vulnerabilities in the Niagara platform and related systems. Network-based intrusion detection systems should be configured to alert on unusual file access patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting controls to prevent unauthorized execution of potentially malicious code. The vulnerability's classification as a path traversal attack means that standard security measures such as input validation and proper file access controls should be reinforced throughout the system architecture to prevent similar issues from occurring in other components.