CVE-2017-9640 in WebCTRL
Summary
by MITRE
A Path Traversal issue was discovered in Automated Logic Corporation (ALC) ALC WebCTRL, i-Vu, SiteScan Web prior to 6.5; ALC WebCTRL, SiteScan Web 6.1 and prior; ALC WebCTRL, i-Vu 6.0 and prior; ALC WebCTRL, i-Vu, SiteScan Web 5.5 and prior; and ALC WebCTRL, i-Vu, SiteScan Web 5.2 and prior. An authenticated attacker may be able to overwrite files that are used to execute code. This vulnerability does not affect version 6.5 of the software.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/18/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-9640 represents a critical path traversal flaw within Automated Logic Corporation's WebCTRL, i-Vu, and SiteScan Web software platforms. This issue affects multiple versions of these industrial control system applications, specifically targeting versions prior to 6.5, with particular impacts on 6.1, 6.0, 5.5, and 5.2 releases. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize file paths submitted by authenticated users, creating an exploitable condition that allows attackers to manipulate file system access patterns.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability resides in the software's handling of file operations within its web interface components. When authenticated users submit file path parameters through the web application, the system does not adequately validate or sanitize these inputs before processing them in file system operations. This deficiency enables an attacker to construct malicious path sequences that can traverse directory structures beyond the intended application boundaries. The flaw operates at the application layer where user-supplied data is directly incorporated into file system calls without proper boundary checking or canonicalization.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a severe risk to industrial control systems that rely on these platforms for monitoring and management functions. An authenticated attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can overwrite critical executable files, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution within the application context. The impact extends beyond simple file modification as the ability to overwrite code-execution files creates opportunities for privilege escalation and persistent access to the affected systems. This threat vector is particularly concerning in industrial environments where these platforms control critical infrastructure operations and where system integrity is paramount for operational safety and security.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which specifically addresses path traversal or directory traversal issues in software applications. This classification indicates that the flaw involves improper input validation that allows attackers to access files or directories outside the intended scope of the application. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under the technique of "Path Traversal" within the broader category of "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation" and "Persistence." Organizations should implement comprehensive mitigations including immediate software updates to version 6.5 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the path traversal conditions. Additionally, network segmentation, privileged access controls, and regular security assessments should be implemented to reduce the attack surface and prevent unauthorized access to these critical industrial control applications.
The affected platforms represent industrial automation systems that typically operate in environments where security controls may be less stringent than in traditional enterprise settings. These systems often contain sensitive operational data and control mechanisms that, if compromised, could lead to operational disruptions, safety hazards, or financial losses. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining current security patches in industrial control environments and highlights the need for comprehensive vulnerability management programs that address both legacy systems and emerging threats in operational technology environments.