CVE-2017-6187 in DiskSavvy Enterprise
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in the built-in web server in DiskSavvy Enterprise 9.4.18 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long URI in a GET request.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/16/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-6187 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the embedded web server component of DiskSavvy Enterprise version 9.4.18. This issue stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly handle excessively long Uniform Resource Identifiers in HTTP GET requests. The flaw exists in the software's built-in web server implementation which serves as a secondary functionality for remote monitoring and management purposes, making it a potential attack vector for unauthorized remote code execution. The buffer overflow occurs when the web server processes a malformed URI that exceeds the allocated memory buffer size, leading to memory corruption that can be exploited by malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary code on the affected system.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a classic buffer overflow attack pattern where attackers craft specially designed GET requests containing excessively long URIs to overflow the allocated buffer space. This memory corruption can overwrite adjacent memory locations including return addresses and function pointers, enabling attackers to redirect program execution flow to malicious code payloads. The vulnerability falls under CWE-121, which specifically addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and potentially CWE-787, which covers out-of-bounds write vulnerabilities. From an operational perspective, this flaw represents a severe risk to enterprise environments where DiskSavvy Enterprise is deployed, as it allows remote attackers to gain unauthorized access and execute arbitrary commands with the privileges of the web server process, potentially leading to full system compromise.
The attack surface for this vulnerability is particularly concerning given that DiskSavvy Enterprise is designed for enterprise deployment and often operates in networked environments where the built-in web server may be exposed to untrusted networks. The impact extends beyond simple code execution to include potential privilege escalation, data exfiltration, and persistence mechanisms that attackers can leverage to maintain long-term access to compromised systems. Organizations using this software are at risk of unauthorized access to sensitive file system information and potential lateral movement within their network infrastructure. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and memory management practices in network services, particularly those that are part of enterprise software solutions and may be exposed to external threats.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-6187 should prioritize immediate patching of the DiskSavvy Enterprise software to the latest available version that addresses the buffer overflow vulnerability. Network administrators should implement firewall rules to restrict access to the built-in web server functionality, particularly when it is not required for business operations. Disabling the web server component entirely if it is not essential for the organization's workflow provides an additional layer of defense. Security monitoring should include detection of anomalous URI patterns and unusually long request strings that may indicate exploitation attempts. The implementation of web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can help identify and block malicious GET requests before they reach the vulnerable web server component. Organizations should also conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify other instances of similar buffer overflow vulnerabilities within their software inventory and ensure that all network services implement proper input validation and memory safety controls. This vulnerability underscores the necessity of following secure coding practices and maintaining up-to-date software versions to prevent exploitation of known security flaws.