CVE-2017-20105 in Simplessus
Summary
by MITRE • 06/28/2022
A vulnerability was found in Simplessus 3.7.7. It has been rated as critical. This issue affects some unknown processing. The manipulation of the argument path with the input ..%2f..%2f..%2f..%2f..%2f..%2f..%2f..%2f..%2f..%2f..%2f..%2f..%2f..%2f..%2f..%2fetc%2fpasswd leads to path traversal. The attack may be initiated remotely. The exploit has been disclosed to the public and may be used. Upgrading to version 3.8.3 is able to address this issue. It is recommended to upgrade the affected component.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/07/2026
This critical vulnerability in Simplessus 3.7.7 represents a path traversal flaw that enables remote attackers to access arbitrary files on the system through manipulated input parameters. The specific attack vector involves crafting malicious paths using URL-encoded directory traversal sequences such as ..%2f..%2f..%2f..%2f..%2f..%2f..%2f..%2f..%2f..%2f..%2f..%2f..%2f..%2f..%2f..%2fetc%2fpasswd which allows attackers to navigate beyond the intended directory boundaries and access sensitive system files. This vulnerability falls under the common weakness enumeration CWE-22, which specifically addresses path traversal or directory traversal vulnerabilities where input validation fails to properly restrict access to files and directories outside of the intended scope.
The technical implementation of this flaw occurs during the processing of user-supplied arguments where the application fails to properly sanitize or validate file paths before using them in file system operations. When the application receives the crafted input containing multiple directory traversal sequences followed by a reference to /etc/passwd, it processes these paths without adequate validation mechanisms that would normally prevent such unauthorized access attempts. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited remotely, meaning attackers do not need physical access to the system or local network privileges to initiate the attack.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it provides attackers with potential access to sensitive system information including but not limited to password files, configuration files, and other critical system resources. Successful exploitation could lead to privilege escalation, data theft, system compromise, and potentially full system control depending on the permissions of the affected application. This type of vulnerability is categorized under the attack technique T1059 in the MITRE ATT&CK framework as it involves command and scripting interpreter techniques that can be used to access system resources through manipulated input parameters.
The public disclosure of this exploit significantly increases the risk level, as malicious actors can immediately leverage existing attack code without requiring additional development efforts. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous for organizations running affected versions of Simplessus, as they face an elevated threat surface with readily available exploitation methods. The recommended mitigation strategy involves upgrading to version 3.8.3 which contains fixes addressing the path traversal vulnerability through proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms. Organizations should also implement additional security controls such as web application firewalls, input validation rules, and regular security assessments to reduce the risk of similar vulnerabilities in other components of their infrastructure.
This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of implementing robust input validation and secure coding practices to prevent directory traversal attacks that can lead to unauthorized system access and data breaches. The remediation process should include not only upgrading the vulnerable component but also conducting comprehensive security reviews of related applications and systems to identify potential similar vulnerabilities in the broader attack surface. Organizations must maintain current awareness of security advisories and apply patches promptly to protect against known vulnerabilities that have been publicly disclosed and are actively being exploited in the wild.