CVE-2017-9833 in Boa Webserver
Summary
by MITRE
/cgi-bin/wapopen in BOA Webserver 0.94.14rc21 allows the injection of "../.." using the FILECAMERA variable (sent by GET) to read files with root privileges.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/05/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-9833 resides within the BOA Webserver version 0.94.14rc21 and specifically affects the /cgi-bin/wapopen script. This issue represents a classic path traversal vulnerability that enables unauthorized file access through manipulation of the FILECAMERA variable via GET requests. The flaw occurs when the web server fails to properly validate or sanitize user input before using it in file system operations, creating an opportunity for attackers to navigate the file system beyond intended boundaries.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability leverages the ability to inject "../.." sequences into the FILECAMERA parameter, which allows an attacker to traverse directory structures and access files that should normally be restricted. When the web server processes this input without proper sanitization, it can interpret the injected sequences and access files with elevated privileges, potentially including system configuration files, password databases, or other sensitive resources that are typically protected from direct web access. This represents a critical security flaw that directly violates the principle of least privilege and enables unauthorized information disclosure.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-9833 is severe and multifaceted, as it provides attackers with the capability to read arbitrary files on the server with root privileges. This could lead to complete system compromise, as attackers might access authentication credentials, configuration files containing sensitive information, or other system resources that could be used for further exploitation. The vulnerability essentially allows an attacker to bypass normal access controls and gain unauthorized access to critical system data, potentially enabling privilege escalation or lateral movement within the network infrastructure.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-22 Path Traversal and CWE-77 Path Traversal in CGI applications, both of which fall under the broader category of directory traversal attacks that have been consistently identified as critical security risks in web applications. From an ATT&CK perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1083 File and Directory Discovery and T1566 Phishing, as it enables attackers to gather information about the target system and potentially extract sensitive data. The vulnerability also represents a failure in input validation and access control mechanisms, which are fundamental security practices that should be implemented at multiple layers of the application stack. Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately implement proper input sanitization, implement proper access controls, and consider deploying web application firewalls to mitigate the risk of exploitation. Additionally, regular security audits and proper patch management procedures are essential to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being introduced into production environments.