CVE-2017-2180 in AppGoat for Web Application
Summary
by MITRE
Hands-on Vulnerability Learning Tool "AppGoat" for Web Application V3.0.2 and earlier allow remote attackers to obtain local files via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/16/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-2180 affects the Hands-on Vulnerability Learning Tool "AppGoat" version 3.0.2 and earlier, representing a critical security flaw that enables remote attackers to access local files on the target system. This tool is designed for educational purposes to help security professionals learn about web application vulnerabilities, but its implementation contains a significant flaw that could be exploited in real-world scenarios. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation and file handling mechanisms within the application's codebase, creating an avenue for unauthorized file access that bypasses normal security controls. The unspecified vectors mentioned in the description indicate that the vulnerability can be triggered through multiple attack paths, making it particularly dangerous as defenders cannot easily predict or mitigate all potential exploitation methods.
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 flaw allows attackers to manipulate file access requests and navigate through the file system to access sensitive local files that should normally be restricted. The attack surface is particularly concerning because the AppGoat tool itself is intended for security training, meaning that the vulnerability could potentially be exploited by malicious actors to gain unauthorized access to sensitive data or system resources during training exercises. The remote nature of the attack means that no local access is required, and attackers can leverage this vulnerability from any network location to access local files on the target system.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-2180 extends beyond simple file access, as it represents a fundamental breakdown in the application's security model. Attackers could potentially access configuration files, source code, database files, or other sensitive information that could reveal system architecture, authentication mechanisms, or other critical data. The implications are particularly severe in environments where the AppGoat tool is used for security training, as it could compromise the integrity of the training environment itself. This vulnerability could also serve as a stepping stone for more sophisticated attacks, allowing threat actors to gather intelligence about the target system or to escalate privileges within the application. The fact that this affects a security training tool means that organizations using it may unknowingly expose their systems to potential compromise during legitimate security testing activities.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-2180 should focus on implementing proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms to prevent path traversal attacks. Organizations should immediately upgrade to version 3.0.3 or later of the AppGoat tool where the vulnerability has been addressed. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit exposure of the vulnerable application to untrusted networks. Additionally, implementing proper file access controls and ensuring that the application runs with minimal required privileges can reduce the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. The remediation process should also include comprehensive security testing and code review to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications within the organization's infrastructure. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous file access patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and T1059 (Command and Scripting Interpreter) techniques, highlighting the importance of implementing proper access controls and monitoring for such activities.