CVE-2017-3098 in Captivate
Summary
by MITRE
Adobe Captivate versions 9 and earlier have a remote code execution vulnerability in the quiz reporting feature that could be abused to read and write arbitrary files to the server.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/29/2020
Adobe Captivate versions 9 and earlier contain a critical remote code execution vulnerability within the quiz reporting functionality that presents a significant security risk to affected systems. This vulnerability stems from improper input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the application's handling of quiz data, specifically when processing reporting features that generate server-side files. The flaw allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on the target system with the privileges of the application process, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability is classified as a remote code execution flaw that can be exploited without authentication, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where such applications may be accessible from untrusted networks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a path traversal or file inclusion flaw within the quiz reporting module that fails to properly validate user-supplied input. When the application processes quiz results and generates reports, it does not adequately sanitize the data passed to file system operations, allowing attackers to manipulate the file paths and execute malicious code. This weakness aligns with common software security flaws identified under CWE-22 Path Traversal and CWE-74 Injection flaws, which are frequently exploited in web application attacks. The vulnerability specifically affects the server-side processing of quiz data where report generation occurs, creating an attack surface that can be leveraged through crafted quiz parameters or report requests.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it enables attackers to perform arbitrary file operations including reading sensitive configuration files, writing malicious payloads to the server, and potentially establishing persistent access. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to read system files, modify application behavior, or even install backdoors that maintain access to the compromised system. The implications are particularly severe in educational institutions or corporate training environments where Adobe Captivate is commonly deployed, as these systems often contain sensitive data and may lack proper network segmentation. This vulnerability can be exploited through web-based interfaces or API endpoints that handle quiz reporting functionality, making it accessible to attackers with minimal privileges.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including applying the latest security patches from Adobe, which address the underlying input validation issues in the quiz reporting feature. Network segmentation and access controls should be strengthened to limit exposure of vulnerable systems, while monitoring should be enhanced to detect suspicious file operations or unusual report generation patterns. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and the principle of least privilege in application security, as outlined in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under techniques such as T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1078 Valid Accounts. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and regular security assessments can help identify and prevent exploitation attempts, while ensuring that all Adobe Captivate installations are updated to versions that have addressed this specific vulnerability.