CVE-2017-7455 in MXView
Summary
by MITRE
Moxa MXView 2.8 allows remote attackers to read web server's private key file, no access control.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/24/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-7455 affects Moxa MXView 2.8, a network management and monitoring solution that provides web-based interfaces for device configuration and administration. This critical security flaw resides in the web server component of the MXView software, where inadequate access controls have been implemented to protect sensitive system files. The vulnerability stems from a lack of proper authentication and authorization mechanisms that should normally prevent unauthorized access to critical system resources. Attackers can exploit this weakness by directly accessing specific URLs that correspond to the private key file location within the web server's file structure, bypassing any legitimate access controls that should normally be in place.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic path traversal or directory traversal flaw, where the web application fails to properly validate user inputs or enforce access restrictions when serving static files. The private key file, which is essential for SSL/TLS encryption and secure communications, is accessible through a predictable path that does not require authentication or authorization. This represents a fundamental failure in the principle of least privilege and access control implementation, where sensitive cryptographic materials are exposed to any remote attacker who can reach the web server. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal attacks. From an operational perspective, this flaw allows attackers to obtain the private key that is used for encrypting communications between the web interface and users, potentially enabling man-in-the-middle attacks, session hijacking, and unauthorized access to the entire network management system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the private key compromise can lead to complete system infiltration and control. Once an attacker obtains the private key, they can impersonate the web server, decrypt communications, and potentially gain access to other systems that rely on the same cryptographic infrastructure. This vulnerability directly maps to several tactics in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly those related to credential access and privilege escalation, as it provides attackers with the means to obtain cryptographic keys that are essential for maintaining system security. The affected Moxa MXView 2.8 system represents a critical component in industrial network environments where network management and device monitoring are essential, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in operational technology contexts. Organizations using this software face significant risk of unauthorized access to their network infrastructure, potentially leading to service disruption, data breaches, and compromise of industrial control systems. The vulnerability's exploitability is high due to the lack of authentication requirements and the predictable nature of web server file paths, making it an attractive target for automated scanning and exploitation tools commonly used in cyber attacks against industrial control systems.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including applying the vendor-provided security patches, configuring proper access controls on web server directories, and restricting network access to the MXView interface through firewalls and network segmentation. Additional measures should include monitoring for unauthorized access attempts, implementing network intrusion detection systems, and conducting regular security assessments of industrial network components. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper secure coding practices and access control implementation in network management systems, particularly those operating in critical infrastructure environments where security is paramount. System administrators should also consider implementing certificate pinning mechanisms and regularly rotating cryptographic keys to limit the potential impact of such vulnerabilities in the future. The incident underscores the necessity of comprehensive security testing and vulnerability management programs specifically tailored for industrial control systems and network management platforms.