CVE-2017-2163 in SOY
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in SOY CMS Ver.1.8.1 to Ver.1.8.12 allows authenticated attackers to read arbitrary files via shop_id.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/26/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-2163 represents a critical directory traversal flaw affecting SOY CMS versions 1.8.1 through 1.8.12. This vulnerability exists within the application's handling of the shop_id parameter, which allows authenticated attackers to exploit improper input validation mechanisms. The flaw enables malicious users to manipulate file paths and access sensitive system files that should remain restricted. Directory traversal vulnerabilities of this nature fall under CWE-22, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The vulnerability operates by allowing attackers to craft malicious requests that bypass normal file access controls through the manipulation of directory path references.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient sanitization of the shop_id parameter within the CMS framework. When authenticated users submit requests containing crafted shop_id values, the application fails to properly validate or sanitize these inputs before processing file operations. This allows attackers to append directory traversal sequences such as "../" to navigate outside the intended directory structure and access arbitrary files on the server. The authenticated nature of this vulnerability means that attackers must first obtain valid credentials, but once inside the system, they can leverage this flaw to escalate their privileges and access sensitive data. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083, which covers directory and file permissions enumeration, as attackers can systematically explore the file system to discover valuable information.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-2163 extends beyond simple unauthorized file access, as it can potentially expose sensitive configuration files, database credentials, application source code, and user data. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to read critical system files such as configuration files containing database connection strings, application secrets, or other sensitive information that could lead to further system compromise. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of the affected CMS installations, potentially exposing organizations to data breaches and unauthorized access to their web applications. Organizations running vulnerable versions of SOY CMS face significant risk of exposure to attackers who can leverage this flaw to gain deeper insights into their systems and potentially establish persistent access. The vulnerability demonstrates poor input validation practices and highlights the importance of implementing proper security controls around file access operations. Organizations should prioritize immediate remediation through patching or implementing compensating controls to prevent exploitation of this directory traversal vulnerability.
The exploitation of this vulnerability requires minimal technical expertise and can be automated, making it particularly dangerous for organizations with inadequate security monitoring. Attackers can systematically test for this vulnerability across multiple installations and use the information gained to plan more sophisticated attacks. The vulnerability's presence in multiple versions of SOY CMS indicates a persistent security flaw that was not properly addressed in the development lifecycle, suggesting potential issues with security testing and code review processes. Organizations should implement comprehensive security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in their web applications and ensure proper input validation and access controls are in place to prevent such directory traversal attacks.