CVE-2017-7433 in Vibe
Summary
by MITRE
An absolute path traversal vulnerability (CWE-36) in Micro Focus Vibe 4.0.2 and earlier allows a remote authenticated attacker to download arbitrary files from the server by submitting a specially crafted request to the viewFile endpoint. Note that the attack can be performed without authentication if Guest access is enabled (Guest access is disabled by default).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/30/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-7433 represents a critical absolute path traversal flaw in Micro Focus Vibe 4.0.2 and earlier versions, classified under CWE-36 which specifically addresses absolute path traversal vulnerabilities. This weakness enables attackers to access files outside the intended directory structure by manipulating input parameters, creating a significant security risk for organizations utilizing this document management platform. The vulnerability manifests through the viewFile endpoint, which fails to properly validate or sanitize user input containing file paths, allowing malicious actors to craft requests that traverse the file system beyond authorized boundaries.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the application processes file requests without adequate sanitization of the file path parameter, permitting attackers to include directory traversal sequences such as "../" or similar constructs in their requests. When Guest access is enabled, the vulnerability becomes particularly dangerous as it allows unauthenticated attackers to exploit the flaw, effectively bypassing the authentication requirement that would normally prevent unauthorized access to server resources. This configuration issue creates a scenario where even users without legitimate credentials can potentially access sensitive files, documents, or system resources that should remain protected. The vulnerability operates at the application layer, specifically within the file handling mechanisms of the Vibe platform, where input validation fails to properly restrict path resolution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized file access, potentially exposing sensitive organizational data including confidential documents, system configuration files, and potentially even source code or database credentials. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to download critical system files, gain insights into the underlying infrastructure, or extract proprietary information that could be used for further exploitation. The risk is compounded when considering that the vulnerability can be exploited remotely, meaning attackers do not need physical access to the network or system to carry out the attack. Organizations with Guest access enabled face an even greater risk as this creates an attack surface that extends to any internet-facing system component, potentially enabling reconnaissance activities or data exfiltration attempts that could go undetected for extended periods.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-7433 should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems to the latest available versions of Micro Focus Vibe that contain the necessary security fixes. Organizations should disable Guest access unless absolutely required for business operations, as this default security configuration significantly reduces the attack surface. Additionally, implementing proper input validation and sanitization measures within the application code can help prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in other components. Network segmentation and access controls should be enforced to limit the potential impact of any successful exploitation attempts. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual file access patterns or requests containing suspicious path traversal sequences. The vulnerability aligns with attack patterns documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under techniques related to credential access and privilege escalation, where attackers may use path traversal vulnerabilities as initial footholds to gain broader system access. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to help identify and block malicious requests targeting this specific vulnerability.