CVE-2017-7974 in U.motion Builder
Summary
by MITRE
A path traversal information disclosure vulnerability exists in Schneider Electric's U.motion Builder software versions 1.2.1 and prior in which an unauthenticated user can execute arbitrary code and exfiltrate files.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/14/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-7974 represents a critical path traversal flaw in Schneider Electric's U.motion Builder software, specifically affecting versions 1.2.1 and earlier. This vulnerability resides within the software's file handling mechanisms and allows attackers to manipulate file paths in ways that were not intended by the developers. The flaw enables an unauthenticated attacker to bypass normal access controls and gain unauthorized access to sensitive system resources. The vulnerability's classification as an information disclosure issue stems from its ability to allow attackers to retrieve files from the system that they should not normally have access to, potentially including configuration files, source code, or other sensitive data.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through improper input validation within the software's file access routines. When the U.motion Builder software processes file paths, it fails to adequately sanitize user-supplied input, allowing attackers to manipulate directory traversal sequences such as ../ or ..\ to navigate outside of intended directories. This weakness creates a direct pathway for attackers to access files located in parent directories or other restricted areas of the file system. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that no authentication is required to exploit it, making it particularly dangerous in environments where the software is accessible to untrusted users or external networks. The flaw essentially allows attackers to execute arbitrary code by leveraging the path traversal mechanism to load and execute malicious files, while simultaneously enabling data exfiltration through the same vulnerability.
The operational implications of CVE-2017-7974 extend beyond simple information disclosure, as it fundamentally compromises the integrity and confidentiality of systems running affected versions of U.motion Builder. Organizations utilizing this software in industrial control systems or automation environments face significant risks, as attackers could potentially access sensitive operational data, configuration parameters, or system files that could be used to plan further attacks. The vulnerability's exploitation capability for arbitrary code execution makes it particularly dangerous in environments where the software runs with elevated privileges or where it interfaces with critical infrastructure components. This flaw could enable attackers to establish persistent access, escalate privileges, or disrupt normal operations by modifying system files or configurations. The vulnerability's presence in industrial automation software increases the risk of operational technology (OT) system compromise, which could have cascading effects on physical processes and safety systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-7974 should prioritize immediate software updates to versions that address the path traversal vulnerability. Organizations must ensure that all instances of U.motion Builder software are updated to the latest available version that contains proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit exposure of affected systems to untrusted networks, while monitoring systems should be configured to detect suspicious file access patterns or path traversal attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, and may map to ATT&CK techniques such as T1059 for command and scripting interpreter usage and T1071 for application layer protocols. Security teams should also implement regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing to identify similar weaknesses in other industrial control systems and software components. Additional defensive measures include disabling unnecessary file access features, implementing file integrity monitoring, and establishing incident response procedures specifically designed to address path traversal vulnerabilities in industrial environments.