CVE-2017-16806 in Ulterius
Summary
by MITRE
The Process function in RemoteTaskServer/WebServer/HttpServer.cs in Ulterius before 1.9.5.0 allows HTTP server directory traversal.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/10/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-16806 resides within the Ulterius remote task server software, specifically in the Process function located in RemoteTaskServer/WebServer/HttpServer.cs. This directory traversal flaw affects versions prior to 1.9.5.0 and represents a critical security weakness that could enable unauthorized access to sensitive system resources. The vulnerability manifests when the HTTP server component fails to properly validate user-supplied input, allowing malicious actors to manipulate file paths and gain access to directories beyond the intended scope of the application's web server functionality.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input sanitization and path validation mechanisms within the HTTP server's processing logic. When user requests are submitted to the server, the Process function does not sufficiently sanitize the incoming file path parameters, creating an opportunity for attackers to craft malicious requests that exploit directory traversal patterns. This flaw directly maps to CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The vulnerability allows attackers to navigate through the file system hierarchy by using sequences such as "../" or "..\\" in their requests, potentially accessing sensitive files, configuration data, or system resources that should remain protected.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized file access, as it could provide attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary code, escalate privileges, or compromise the entire system. An attacker exploiting this vulnerability could potentially access system configuration files, user credentials stored in configuration databases, or even system binaries that could be leveraged for further compromise. The implications are particularly severe in environments where Ulterius is deployed as a remote management tool, as it could provide attackers with persistent access to systems and enable them to maintain control over compromised infrastructure. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059, which covers command and scripting interpreter, as successful exploitation could enable adversaries to execute commands on the affected system.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily involve upgrading to Ulterius version 1.9.5.0 or later, which includes proper input validation and path sanitization measures. Organizations should also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of the affected service to trusted networks only. Additionally, web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can be configured to monitor for suspicious directory traversal patterns in HTTP requests. Security teams should conduct regular vulnerability assessments and ensure that all remote management services are properly patched and configured with least-privilege access controls. The remediation process should include thorough testing of the updated software to ensure that the patch does not introduce compatibility issues while effectively addressing the directory traversal vulnerability that could otherwise enable complete system compromise.