CVE-2017-2695 in TIT-AL00
Summary
by MITRE
TIT-AL00C583B211 has a directory traversal vulnerability which allows an attacker to obtain the files in email application.
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/11/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-2695 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the TIT-AL00C583B211 email application. This security weakness stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize user-supplied data before processing file system requests. The vulnerability resides in the application's handling of file path references, where maliciously crafted input can manipulate the application's file access behavior to navigate beyond intended directories. Such flaws typically arise from improper implementation of file system access controls and insufficient sanitization of path parameters that are directly used in file operations. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. This weakness creates a direct pathway for attackers to access sensitive files that should remain protected within the application's restricted file system boundaries.
The operational impact of this directory traversal vulnerability extends far beyond simple unauthorized file access, creating a comprehensive security risk that can compromise entire email application environments. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability can potentially retrieve confidential email messages, access user credentials stored in configuration files, obtain application logs, and extract sensitive data that may include personal identifiable information or corporate secrets. The attack surface is particularly concerning because email applications typically contain a wealth of sensitive data including private communications, business documents, and authentication credentials. The vulnerability enables attackers to bypass normal access controls and directly access files that should be restricted to authorized users only. This type of attack can lead to data breaches, identity theft, and unauthorized access to corporate email systems, making it a significant concern for organizations relying on the affected email application.
Security professionals should recognize this vulnerability as part of the broader ATT&CK framework's technique T1078, which covers valid accounts and legitimate credentials for unauthorized access. The exploitation of directory traversal vulnerabilities often serves as a foundational step in more complex attack chains where initial access is gained to establish persistence or escalate privileges. Organizations should implement comprehensive monitoring solutions to detect anomalous file access patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by its potential to serve as a stepping stone for additional attacks, including privilege escalation, lateral movement, and data exfiltration operations. Network segmentation and proper access controls should be implemented to limit the potential damage from successful exploitation attempts. Additionally, regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in related systems and applications.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-2695 should include immediate patching of the affected email application to address the directory traversal vulnerability through proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms. Organizations must ensure that all file path parameters are thoroughly validated and normalized before being processed by the application's file system operations. Implementing proper access controls and least privilege principles can significantly reduce the impact of successful exploitation attempts. Security measures should include regular updates to email applications, implementation of web application firewalls, and monitoring of file access activities for suspicious patterns. The vulnerability highlights the importance of defensive programming practices and input validation as fundamental security controls. Organizations should also consider implementing automated patch management systems to ensure timely remediation of known vulnerabilities and establish incident response procedures to address potential exploitation attempts. Regular security training for administrators and developers can help prevent similar issues in future application development cycles.