CVE-2017-16929 in Dual GPU Miner
Summary
by MITRE
The remote management interface on the Claymore Dual GPU miner 10.1 is vulnerable to an authenticated directory traversal vulnerability exploited by issuing a specially crafted request, allowing a remote attacker to read/write arbitrary files. This can be exploited via ../ sequences in the pathname to miner_file or miner_getfile.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/12/2019
The CVE-2017-16929 vulnerability represents a critical authenticated directory traversal flaw in the Claymore Dual GPU miner version 10.1 remote management interface. This vulnerability resides within the web-based administration console that allows users to configure and monitor mining operations across multiple GPU systems. The flaw specifically manifests in the handling of file path parameters within the miner_file and miner_getfile endpoints, where the application fails to properly sanitize user-supplied input containing directory traversal sequences. The vulnerability requires authentication to exploit, meaning an attacker must first obtain valid credentials to access the remote management interface, but once authenticated, they can leverage this weakness to perform arbitrary file operations on the underlying system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and path resolution mechanisms within the miner's web server component. When legitimate users submit requests containing ../ sequences in the pathname parameters, the application processes these traversal attempts without proper sanitization or restriction. This allows an attacker to navigate beyond the intended directory boundaries and access files outside the designated mining configuration directories. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The flaw enables both read and write operations, providing attackers with the capability to extract sensitive configuration files, modify mining parameters, or potentially inject malicious code into the system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data access, as it provides attackers with persistent access to the mining system's file structure and potentially sensitive operational data. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could access mining pool credentials, configuration files containing system information, or even modify the miner's executable files to redirect mining operations. The implications are particularly severe for organizations running cryptocurrency mining operations, as this vulnerability could enable attackers to steal mining profits, disrupt operations, or use the compromised systems for additional malicious activities. The authenticated nature of the exploit means that even organizations with firewalled systems could be at risk if credentials are compromised through other attack vectors or if default credentials are not changed.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-16929 should focus on both immediate remediation and long-term security improvements. The primary solution involves applying the vendor-supplied patch or upgrading to a newer version of the Claymore Dual GPU miner that addresses the directory traversal vulnerability. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to limit access to mining systems, enforce strong authentication mechanisms with multi-factor authentication, and regularly audit system configurations to ensure default credentials are not in use. Network monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual file access patterns or requests containing directory traversal sequences. Additionally, the principle of least privilege should be applied to restrict the permissions of the mining software and ensure that the web interface only has access to necessary files and directories. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of input validation and proper path handling in web applications, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for execution through web shell or command injection, and highlights the need for comprehensive security testing of all network-facing components in industrial control systems and cryptocurrency mining infrastructure.