CVE-2017-20184 in Powersoft
Summary
by MITRE • 05/04/2023
Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal') vulnerability in Carlo Gavazzi Powersoft up to version 2.1.1.1 allows an unauthenticated, remote attacker to download any file from the affected device.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/04/2023
The CVE-2017-20184 vulnerability represents a critical path traversal flaw in Carlo Gavazzi Powersoft software versions up to 2.1.1.1, exposing devices to unauthorized remote file access. This vulnerability falls under the common weakness enumeration CWE-22, which specifically addresses improper limitation of pathname to a restricted directory. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation within the application's file handling mechanisms, allowing attackers to manipulate file path parameters and bypass normal access controls. The vulnerability specifically affects the web interface of the Powersoft application, where user-supplied data is directly incorporated into file system operations without proper sanitization or validation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability enables an attacker to exploit the lack of proper path validation by crafting malicious requests that traverse directory structures beyond the intended restricted paths. When the application processes these malformed requests, it fails to properly validate or sanitize the input parameters, allowing the attacker to navigate through the file system hierarchy and access files that should remain protected. This occurs because the software does not adequately restrict file access based on user permissions or implement proper path normalization techniques. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous as it requires no authentication credentials, making it accessible to any remote attacker who can reach the affected device.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized file access, as it provides attackers with the potential to extract sensitive configuration files, system binaries, and other confidential data stored on the device. This could lead to complete system compromise, as attackers might gain access to administrative credentials, system logs, or other sensitive information that could be used for further exploitation. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers can exploit it from anywhere on the network without requiring physical access to the device, significantly increasing the attack surface and potential damage. Additionally, the lack of authentication requirements makes it particularly dangerous in industrial control environments where such devices may be exposed to untrusted network segments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-20184 should prioritize immediate software updates to the latest available versions of Carlo Gavazzi Powersoft that contain proper input validation and path traversal protection mechanisms. Organizations should implement network segmentation to isolate affected devices from untrusted networks and apply firewall rules to restrict access to the web interface ports. The implementation of web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can help monitor for suspicious path traversal attempts. Additionally, regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar issues in other industrial control systems. According to the mitre attack framework, this vulnerability could be leveraged as part of initial access phases, potentially leading to more sophisticated attacks targeting industrial control systems. The remediation process should also include comprehensive network monitoring to detect anomalous file access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, while maintaining proper access controls and regular security updates to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in the future.