CVE-2017-8860 in 3960HD
Summary
by MITRE
Information disclosure through directory listing on the Cohu 3960HD allows an attacker to view and download source code, log files, and other sensitive device information via a specially crafted web request with an extra / character, such as a "GET // HTTP/1.1" request.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/09/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-8860 represents a critical information disclosure weakness in Cohu 3960HD security cameras that stems from improper directory handling within the device's web server implementation. This flaw allows unauthorized access to sensitive system information through a seemingly simple manipulation of web requests. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the device processes web requests containing multiple consecutive forward slashes, creating a directory traversal condition that exposes internal system files and directories. Security researchers have classified this issue as an information disclosure vulnerability that directly violates security principles of least privilege and information hiding.
The technical mechanism behind this vulnerability operates through the device's web server parsing logic that fails to properly normalize or sanitize incoming URL paths before processing them. When an attacker crafts a request containing multiple consecutive forward slashes such as "GET // HTTP/1.1", the web server interprets this malformed path in a way that allows access to directories that should normally be protected or inaccessible. This behavior creates a directory listing vulnerability where the web server returns directory contents rather than properly handling the malformed request. The flaw essentially bypasses normal access controls and directory restrictions that should prevent unauthorized access to system files, configuration data, and potentially sensitive source code or log files that could reveal system internals and operational details.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with comprehensive access to sensitive system information that could be leveraged for further exploitation. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can obtain source code repositories, system logs, configuration files, and potentially authentication credentials stored in accessible locations. This information disclosure creates a significant risk for organizations relying on these security devices, as it could reveal network topology, system architecture, software versions, and other operational details that would aid in planning more sophisticated attacks. The vulnerability also creates opportunities for attackers to identify potential additional weaknesses in the system through the exposure of internal file structures and naming conventions.
From a cybersecurity framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-22 (Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory) and CWE-532 (Information Exposure Through Log Data), as it allows unauthorized access to system files and potentially sensitive logging information. The attack pattern corresponds to techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and T1005 (Data from Local System), demonstrating how attackers can leverage information disclosure vulnerabilities to gather intelligence for subsequent exploitation phases. Organizations using Cohu 3960HD devices face increased risk of supply chain attacks, targeted exploitation, and comprehensive system reconnaissance when this vulnerability remains unpatched. The exposure of source code and system internals particularly increases risk for organizations that may not have properly segmented their network infrastructure, as attackers could use this information to identify additional targets within the network.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patch application from Cohu, as the manufacturer has released firmware updates addressing the directory traversal issue. Network administrators should implement additional controls including web application firewalls, proper access controls, and network segmentation to limit exposure even if the device remains unpatched temporarily. Regular security audits of networked devices should include checks for similar directory traversal vulnerabilities in other embedded systems and network appliances. Organizations should also implement monitoring for unusual web traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, particularly around directory listing requests and malformed URL access patterns. The vulnerability underscores the importance of proper input validation and path normalization in embedded web server implementations, highlighting the need for robust security testing of networked devices before deployment in production environments.