CVE-2017-17674 in Remedy Mid Tier
Summary
by MITRE • 05/19/2021
BMC Remedy Mid Tier 9.1SP3 is affected by remote and local file inclusion. Due to the lack of restrictions on what can be targeted, the system can be vulnerable to attacks such as system fingerprinting, internal port scanning, Server Side Request Forgery (SSRF), or remote code execution (RCE).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/22/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-17674 affects BMC Remedy Mid Tier version 9.1SP3 and represents a critical remote and local file inclusion flaw that exposes the system to multiple attack vectors. This weakness stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the application's processing of user-supplied parameters that are subsequently used to include files or resources. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited by malicious actors without requiring authentication, making it particularly dangerous for environments where the mid tier is exposed to untrusted networks. The flaw enables attackers to manipulate the application's file inclusion logic through crafted input parameters, potentially leading to unauthorized access to system resources and sensitive data.
The technical nature of this 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 vulnerability specifically manifests when the application fails to properly validate or sanitize user input that is used in file inclusion operations, allowing attackers to inject arbitrary file paths or URLs. This weakness creates opportunities for attackers to perform system fingerprinting by accessing system files or directories that should remain hidden from external access. The vulnerability also enables internal port scanning capabilities, as attackers can leverage the file inclusion mechanism to probe internal network services that would normally be protected by network segmentation. Furthermore, the flaw can facilitate Server Side Request Forgery (SSRF) attacks, where the application can be tricked into making requests to internal systems or services that would otherwise be inaccessible from the external network.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-17674 extends beyond simple data exposure, as it can lead to full system compromise through remote code execution capabilities. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code on the affected system, potentially gaining complete control over the mid tier server and its underlying resources. This risk is particularly severe in enterprise environments where BMC Remedy systems are often integrated with critical business applications and databases. The vulnerability can also be leveraged for lateral movement within the network, as attackers who gain initial access through this flaw can use the compromised mid tier as a launching point to access other internal systems. Additionally, the vulnerability can be used to conduct reconnaissance activities, including gathering system information, identifying running services, and mapping network topology to plan further attacks.
Security professionals should consider this vulnerability in the context of MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly under the techniques related to privilege escalation, lateral movement, and reconnaissance. The vulnerability's exploitation typically follows the pattern of initial access through web application attacks, followed by privilege escalation to gain administrative control over the affected system. Organizations should implement multiple layers of defense including web application firewalls, input validation controls, and network segmentation to mitigate the risk of exploitation. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of regular security assessments and vulnerability management processes, as it demonstrates how outdated or unpatched applications can create persistent security risks. Immediate remediation actions should include applying the vendor-provided patches, implementing proper input validation measures, and conducting comprehensive security audits of all web applications within the environment to identify similar vulnerabilities.
The remediation approach for this vulnerability requires both immediate patching and long-term architectural improvements to prevent similar issues from occurring. Organizations should prioritize applying the official security patches released by BMC to address the file inclusion flaws in the mid tier application. Beyond patch management, implementing proper input validation and sanitization controls within the application code is essential to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being introduced during development. Network segmentation strategies should be employed to limit the blast radius of potential exploitation, ensuring that even if an attacker successfully exploits this vulnerability, they cannot easily move laterally within the network infrastructure. Regular security testing including penetration testing and code reviews should be conducted to identify and remediate similar weaknesses in other applications within the enterprise environment. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of maintaining up-to-date security awareness training for development teams to prevent the introduction of insecure coding practices that can lead to such critical flaws in enterprise applications.