CVE-2017-8841 in Balance
Summary
by MITRE
Arbitrary file deletion exists on Peplink Balance 305, 380, 580, 710, 1350, and 2500 devices with firmware before fw-b305hw2_380hw6_580hw2_710hw3_1350hw2_2500-7.0.1-build2093. The attack methodology is absolute path traversal in cgi-bin/MANGA/firmware_process.cgi via the upfile.path parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/25/2024
The CVE-2017-8841 vulnerability represents a critical arbitrary file deletion flaw affecting Peplink Balance series network devices including models 305, 380, 580, 710, 1350, and 2500. This vulnerability exists in firmware versions prior to fw-b305hw2_380hw6_580hw2_710hw3_1350hw2_2500-7.0.1-build2093 and demonstrates a classic path traversal attack vector through the web interface. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it allows remote attackers to execute destructive operations on the device filesystem, potentially leading to complete system compromise and service disruption.
The technical exploitation mechanism involves absolute path traversal within the cgi-bin/MANGA/firmware_process.cgi script through manipulation of the upfile.path parameter. This flaw enables attackers to bypass normal file access controls and navigate to arbitrary directories on the device filesystem. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization of user-supplied parameters, allowing malicious actors to construct absolute file paths that point to critical system files. The implementation lacks proper path validation, authorization checks, and input sanitization measures that would normally prevent such traversal attacks. This weakness aligns with CWE-22 - Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory and represents a significant failure in the principle of least privilege enforcement.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file deletion to encompass complete system compromise and denial of service conditions. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to delete critical system files, corrupt firmware images, or remove essential configuration data, potentially rendering the network device inoperable. The vulnerability affects network infrastructure devices that are typically deployed in enterprise and industrial environments, making the potential impact substantial. Organizations relying on Peplink Balance devices for network security and connectivity face significant risk of service interruption, data loss, and potential network exposure. The remote nature of the attack means that adversaries do not require physical access to the device, enabling widespread exploitation across networked environments. This vulnerability directly impacts the availability and integrity of network infrastructure, creating opportunities for attackers to establish persistent access points or conduct advanced persistent threat campaigns.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-8841 should prioritize immediate firmware updates to versions 7.0.1-build2093 or later, which contain the necessary patches to address the path traversal vulnerability. Network administrators should implement strict network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of affected devices to untrusted networks. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by restricting web interface access to authorized personnel only and implementing multi-factor authentication mechanisms. Additional protective measures include network monitoring for suspicious file operations, implementing intrusion detection systems to detect exploitation attempts, and conducting regular security assessments of network infrastructure. Organizations should also establish robust patch management processes to ensure timely deployment of security updates. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and secure coding practices in network device firmware development, aligning with ATT&CK techniques targeting privilege escalation and persistence mechanisms. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in other network infrastructure components and prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.