CVE-2017-2240 in AssetView
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in AssetView for MacOS Ver.9.2.0 and earlier versions allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via "File Transfer Web Service".
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/26/2019
The directory traversal vulnerability identified in AssetView for MacOS version 9.2.0 and earlier represents a critical security flaw that enables remote attackers to access arbitrary files on the affected system. This vulnerability specifically impacts the File Transfer Web Service component of the AssetView application, which is designed to facilitate file management and transfer operations within the MacOS environment. The flaw arises from insufficient input validation and improper handling of file path parameters, allowing malicious actors to manipulate directory traversal sequences and gain unauthorized access to sensitive system resources. The vulnerability exists at the application layer and can be exploited without requiring authentication, making it particularly dangerous as it can be leveraged by attackers from remote locations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's failure to properly sanitize user-supplied input when processing file transfer requests. When the File Transfer Web Service receives requests containing file path parameters, it does not adequately validate or filter these inputs to prevent directory traversal sequences such as ../ or ..\ that could allow access to files outside the intended directory structure. This weakness directly maps to CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The vulnerability allows attackers to navigate through the file system hierarchy and access files that should remain protected, potentially including configuration files, system logs, user data, or even sensitive application credentials and keys.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized file access, as it can lead to complete system compromise and data exfiltration. Remote attackers can exploit this flaw to read system configuration files, access user documents, retrieve application-specific data, and potentially discover sensitive information that could aid in further exploitation attempts. The vulnerability affects all versions of AssetView for MacOS up to and including version 9.2.0, creating a significant attack surface for threat actors who may be actively scanning for systems running these vulnerable versions. The impact is particularly severe given that AssetView is typically used in enterprise environments where it may have access to sensitive business data and system resources. This vulnerability can be leveraged as an initial access point for more sophisticated attacks, potentially leading to privilege escalation or lateral movement within the network infrastructure.
Security professionals should implement immediate mitigations including updating to AssetView version 9.2.1 or later, which contains patches addressing this directory traversal vulnerability. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of the File Transfer Web Service to only trusted networks and users. The vulnerability aligns with several ATT&CK techniques including T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and T1566 (Phishing), as attackers may use this vulnerability to discover system files and potentially craft targeted phishing campaigns based on the information gathered. Additionally, implementing proper input validation, using secure coding practices, and conducting regular security assessments can help prevent similar vulnerabilities from being introduced in future versions. Organizations should also monitor for indicators of compromise related to this vulnerability and consider implementing intrusion detection systems to identify potential exploitation attempts targeting this specific flaw.