CVE-2017-17108 in Commerce Platform
Summary
by MITRE
Path traversal vulnerability in the administrative panel in KonaKart eCommerce Platform version 8.7 and earlier could allow an attacker to download system files, as well as upload specially crafted JSP files and in turn gain access to the server.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/01/2020
The CVE-2017-17108 vulnerability represents a critical path traversal flaw within the administrative panel of the KonaKart eCommerce platform affecting versions 8.7 and earlier. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and improper handling of file paths in the administrative interface, creating a significant security risk for organizations relying on this platform. The flaw allows attackers to manipulate file path parameters and access sensitive system resources that should remain protected. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it exists within the administrative panel, which typically requires authentication and is considered a trusted component of the system. However, the path traversal vulnerability effectively bypasses normal access controls by enabling unauthorized file operations through crafted requests.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the exploitation of insufficient sanitization of user-supplied input in file path parameters. Attackers can construct malicious requests that traverse directory structures using sequences such as "../" or similar path manipulation techniques to access files outside of the intended directory boundaries. The vulnerability specifically affects the administrative panel's file handling capabilities, allowing attackers to both read arbitrary files from the server filesystem and upload malicious JSP files. This dual capability creates a complete attack vector where an attacker can first enumerate system files to gather intelligence and then deploy web shells or other malicious code to achieve persistent access. The flaw operates at the application layer and can be exploited through HTTP requests without requiring special privileges beyond basic authentication access to the administrative interface.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-17108 extends far beyond simple information disclosure, creating a complete compromise scenario for affected systems. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can download system configuration files, database credentials, application source code, and other sensitive data that could lead to further system compromise. The ability to upload JSP files creates a persistent backdoor that allows attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the server, effectively providing them with full control over the compromised system. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-22 Path Traversal and aligns with ATT&CK techniques such as T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1078 Valid Accounts, as it enables attackers to establish persistent access and execute commands through the uploaded malicious files. Organizations using affected versions of KonaKart face potential data breaches, system compromise, and regulatory compliance violations that could result in significant financial and reputational damage.
Organizations should immediately upgrade to KonaKart version 8.8 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address this vulnerability. The remediation strategy should include comprehensive input validation and sanitization of all user-supplied parameters, particularly those related to file operations and path handling. Implementing proper access controls and authentication mechanisms within the administrative panel is essential, along with network segmentation to limit exposure of administrative interfaces. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual file operations and access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning of third-party applications. Organizations should conduct thorough penetration testing to verify the effectiveness of their mitigations and ensure that no other similar vulnerabilities exist within their KonaKart installations. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and application-level controls can provide additional layers of protection against path traversal attacks. The incident underscores the critical need for maintaining up-to-date software versions and following secure coding practices to prevent similar vulnerabilities in future development cycles.