CVE-2017-16922 in Streaming Engine
Summary
by MITRE
In com.wowza.wms.timedtext.http.HTTPProviderCaptionFile in Wowza Streaming Engine before 4.7.1, traversal of the directory structure and retrieval of a file are possible via a remote, specifically crafted HTTP request.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/10/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-16922 affects Wowza Streaming Engine versions prior to 4.7.1, specifically within the com.wowza.wms.timedtext.http.HTTPProviderCaptionFile component. This issue represents a directory traversal attack vector that allows remote attackers to access files outside the intended directory structure through specially crafted HTTP requests. The flaw exists in how the streaming engine processes timed text caption file requests, creating an opportunity for unauthorized file access that could expose sensitive system information.
This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and path sanitization within the HTTP provider implementation. When processing requests for caption files, the system fails to properly validate user-supplied parameters that specify file paths, allowing attackers to manipulate directory navigation sequences such as ../ or ..\ to traverse upward through the file system hierarchy. The technical implementation lacks proper boundary checks and path normalization, enabling arbitrary file retrieval from locations beyond the intended media content directories.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it could potentially allow attackers to access configuration files, log files, or other sensitive system resources that contain credentials, system information, or application-specific data. Attackers could leverage this weakness to gain insights into the server environment, potentially leading to further exploitation opportunities. The remote nature of the attack means that an unauthenticated user could exploit this vulnerability from any network location, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible streaming servers.
Organizations running affected versions of Wowza Streaming Engine should immediately apply the vendor-provided patch or upgrade to version 4.7.1 or later to remediate this vulnerability. Additionally, implementing network-level restrictions such as firewall rules to limit access to the streaming engine's HTTP endpoints can provide temporary mitigation. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-22 Directory Traversal and maps to ATT&CK technique T1083 File and Directory Discovery, emphasizing the importance of proper input validation and access control measures. Security teams should also consider implementing web application firewalls and monitoring for suspicious path traversal patterns in their network traffic logs to detect potential exploitation attempts.