CVE-2017-16786 in Lantime
Summary
by MITRE
The Web Configuration Utility in Meinberg LANTIME devices with firmware before 6.24.004 allows remote authenticated users with certain privileges to read arbitrary files via (1) the ntpclientcounterlogfile parameter to cgi-bin/mainv2 or (2) vectors involving curl support of the "file" schema in the firmware update functionality.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/18/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-16786 affects Meinberg LANTIME devices running firmware versions prior to 624004, representing a critical security flaw in the Web Configuration Utility that enables remote authenticated attackers to access arbitrary files on the affected systems. This vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and improper handling of file paths within the device's web interface, specifically targeting the ntpclientcounterlogfile parameter in the cgi-bin/mainv2 endpoint and the firmware update functionality that utilizes curl with file schema support.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the exploitation of path traversal mechanisms within the device's configuration utility, where the ntpclientcounterlogfile parameter fails to properly sanitize user-supplied input before processing file operations. When authenticated users submit malicious input through this parameter, the system processes the request without adequate validation, allowing attackers to navigate the filesystem and retrieve sensitive files that should remain protected. Additionally, the firmware update functionality presents another attack vector through curl's file schema support, which enables the device to access local files during update operations without proper access controls or validation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with potential access to critical system files, configuration data, and potentially sensitive credentials stored within the device's filesystem. Attackers could exploit this vulnerability to gain insights into the device's internal structure, access log files that might contain authentication information, or retrieve configuration files that could reveal network topology and device settings. This information disclosure could serve as a foundation for further exploitation attempts, including privilege escalation or more sophisticated attacks targeting the broader network infrastructure.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-22 (Path Traversal) and CWE-73 (Path Traversal) classifications, representing a classic file inclusion vulnerability that allows unauthorized file access through manipulated input parameters. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a privilege escalation technique through exploitation of software vulnerabilities, specifically mapping to T1068 (Exploitation for Privilege Escalation) and T1083 (File and Directory Discovery). The vulnerability's remote nature and requirement for authentication indicates a medium to high severity threat that could significantly impact the security posture of network time synchronization infrastructure, particularly in environments where LANTIME devices serve as critical time reference points for network operations.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including firmware updates to version 6.24.004 or later, which address the input validation issues and properly sanitize file path parameters. Network segmentation and access controls should be enforced to limit administrative access to these devices, while monitoring systems should be configured to detect unusual file access patterns or parameter manipulation attempts. Regular security assessments of network infrastructure components, particularly time synchronization devices, are essential to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities that could compromise the integrity and security of critical network operations.