CVE-2017-5229 in Metasploit Framework
Summary
by MITRE
All editions of Rapid7 Metasploit prior to version 4.13.0-2017020701 contain a directory traversal vulnerability in the Meterpreter extapi Clipboard.parse_dump() function. By using a specially-crafted build of Meterpreter, it is possible to write to an arbitrary directory on the Metasploit console with the permissions of the running Metasploit instance.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/21/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-5229 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the Rapid7 Metasploit framework affecting all editions prior to version 4.13.0-2017020701. This issue specifically targets the Meterpreter extapi Clipboard.parse_dump() function, which serves as a component within the broader Metasploit exploitation platform used extensively by security professionals for penetration testing and red team operations. The vulnerability arises from inadequate input validation and path sanitization mechanisms within the clipboard parsing functionality, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit the system through crafted Meterpreter builds.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows attackers to manipulate the directory traversal mechanism by constructing specially crafted Meterpreter payloads that can write files to arbitrary locations on the target system where the Metasploit console is executing. This occurs because the Clipboard.parse_dump() function fails to properly validate or sanitize file paths, enabling attackers to bypass normal file system access controls and write content to directories that should remain protected. The flaw essentially allows privilege escalation from the current Metasploit execution context to arbitrary file system locations, potentially enabling persistent access or further system compromise. This directory traversal vulnerability falls under the CWE-22 category, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-5229 is severe for organizations utilizing Metasploit as part of their security testing infrastructure, as it provides attackers with the capability to write arbitrary files to locations accessible by the Metasploit console process. This could enable adversaries to establish persistence mechanisms, install backdoors, or manipulate the security testing environment itself, potentially compromising the integrity of the entire penetration testing operation. The vulnerability particularly affects systems where Metasploit runs with elevated privileges, as the attacker can leverage the compromised process to write files to system directories or other sensitive locations. From an attacker's perspective, this represents a significant escalation opportunity within the context of a security testing environment, as it allows for actions that would normally require system-level privileges or direct access to the target system.
Organizations should immediately upgrade to Metasploit version 4.13.0-2017020701 or later to remediate this vulnerability, as no effective workarounds exist for the directory traversal flaw within the Clipboard.parse_dump() function. Security teams should also implement monitoring for suspicious file system activities, particularly around the Metasploit console execution directories, to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, as exploitation typically involves executing commands through the compromised Meterpreter session to leverage the directory traversal capability. System administrators should also review and restrict file system permissions for Metasploit console processes, ensuring that the running instance operates with minimal necessary privileges to reduce the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation and proper path sanitization in security tools, as even legitimate penetration testing frameworks can become attack vectors when inadequate security controls are implemented in their core components.