CVE-2017-9097 in Anti-Web
Summary
by MITRE
In Anti-Web through 3.8.7, as used on NetBiter FGW200 devices through 3.21.2, WS100 devices through 3.30.5, EC150 devices through 1.40.0, WS200 devices through 3.30.4, EC250 devices through 1.40.0, and other products, an LFI vulnerability allows a remote attacker to read or modify files through a path traversal technique, as demonstrated by reading the password file, or using the template parameter to cgi-bin/write.cgi to write to an arbitrary file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/18/2019
The CVE-2017-9097 vulnerability represents a critical local file inclusion flaw in Anti-Web software versions up to 3.8.7, specifically affecting various industrial network security devices including NetBiter FGW200, WS100, EC150, WS200, and EC250 models. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the web interface of these industrial security appliances, creating a pathway for remote attackers to exploit path traversal techniques. The flaw exists within the cgi-bin/write.cgi component where the template parameter fails to properly sanitize user-supplied input, allowing malicious actors to manipulate file system access through carefully crafted requests. The vulnerability specifically impacts devices running firmware versions up to 3.21.2 for FGW200, 3.30.5 for WS100, 1.40.0 for EC150, 3.30.4 for WS200, and 1.40.0 for EC250, indicating a widespread issue across multiple product lines in the industrial security domain.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability enables attackers to perform arbitrary file read and write operations on affected devices, with demonstrated capabilities to access sensitive system files including password files that contain authentication credentials. The path traversal technique leverages the template parameter in the cgi-bin/write.cgi script to manipulate the file system path, allowing attackers to bypass normal access controls and potentially gain unauthorized access to critical system resources. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The flaw represents a fundamental failure in input validation and access control implementation, where the application fails to properly validate or sanitize user input before using it in file system operations, creating a direct pathway for attackers to manipulate the application's behavior.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it can enable attackers to modify system files and potentially compromise the integrity of industrial security devices. In industrial environments, these devices serve as critical security controls that protect against unauthorized network access and maintain operational technology security boundaries. Successful exploitation could allow attackers to modify security configurations, install malicious code, or gain persistent access to industrial networks, creating potential pathways for more extensive attacks against critical infrastructure. The remote nature of this vulnerability means that attackers can exploit it from outside the network perimeter, eliminating the need for physical access or internal network presence, which significantly increases the attack surface and potential impact. This vulnerability directly impacts the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of industrial security systems, potentially affecting operational technology networks that control critical infrastructure assets.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately implement mitigations including firmware updates from vendors, network segmentation to limit access to affected devices, and implementation of web application firewalls to detect and block malicious path traversal attempts. The remediation process should involve comprehensive vulnerability scanning across all industrial security devices to identify affected systems, followed by coordinated firmware upgrades to address the root cause. Network administrators should also implement strict access controls and monitoring of web interface access to detect anomalous file access patterns. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques such as T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter and T1566 for credential access, as attackers can leverage the vulnerability to extract authentication credentials and potentially escalate privileges within industrial networks. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices and proper input validation in industrial control systems where security failures can have cascading effects on operational technology infrastructure.