CVE-2017-7577 in uc-httpd
Summary
by MITRE
XiongMai uc-httpd has directory traversal allowing the reading of arbitrary files via a "GET ../" HTTP request.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/26/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-7577 affects XiongMai uc-httpd software, which is a web server component commonly found in network video recorder devices and other embedded systems. This directory traversal vulnerability represents a critical security flaw that allows remote attackers to access files outside the intended web root directory through carefully crafted HTTP requests. The affected system processes requests containing directory traversal sequences such as "GET ../" and fails to properly validate or sanitize the requested paths, leading to unauthorized file access.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the uc-httpd web server implementation. When processing HTTP GET requests, the software does not properly filter or normalize file paths that contain relative path traversal sequences like "../". This allows attackers to navigate up the directory structure and access files that should remain protected, including configuration files, system credentials, and potentially sensitive operational data. The vulnerability specifically affects the web server's handling of file requests without proper authorization checks or path normalization, creating a direct pathway for arbitrary file reading.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it enables attackers to potentially extract sensitive configuration data, authentication credentials, and system information that could be used for further exploitation. Attackers could access system logs, user credentials, network configurations, and other sensitive data that might reveal network topology, device management interfaces, or authentication mechanisms. This vulnerability is particularly dangerous in embedded systems environments where devices may be deployed in sensitive locations or connected to critical infrastructure networks.
Security practitioners should implement immediate mitigations including updating to patched versions of the uc-httpd software, implementing network segmentation to limit access to affected devices, and deploying web application firewalls that can detect and block directory traversal attempts. Organizations should also conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all instances of affected software across their network infrastructure. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-22 Directory Traversal and follows patterns consistent with ATT&CK technique T1213.002 Access to Data via Web Applications, emphasizing the importance of proper input validation and secure coding practices in web server implementations. Additionally, the vulnerability demonstrates the critical need for defense in depth strategies, as embedded systems often lack the security controls found in traditional server environments, making them particularly susceptible to such path traversal attacks that can be exploited with minimal technical skill.