CVE-2018-16716 in ToolBox
Summary
by MITRE
A path traversal vulnerability exists in viewcgi.c in the 2.0.7 through 2.2.26 legacy versions of the NCBI ToolBox, which may result in reading of arbitrary files (i.e., significant information disclosure) or file deletion via the nph-viewgif.cgi query string.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/12/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-16716 represents a critical path traversal flaw within the NCBI ToolBox legacy web application framework. This issue affects versions 2.0.7 through 2.2.26 and specifically targets the viewcgi.c component that handles web requests through the nph-viewgif.cgi script. The vulnerability arises from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly restrict user-supplied data from being processed as file paths. The flaw allows malicious actors to manipulate the query string parameters to navigate outside the intended directory structure and access files that should remain restricted.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through manipulation of the query string parameters in the nph-viewgif.cgi script, enabling attackers to construct malicious file paths that bypass normal access controls. When the application processes these crafted inputs, it fails to validate or sanitize the user-supplied path data, allowing arbitrary file system access. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-22 Path Traversal and CWE-23 Relative Path Traversal, both of which are classified under the broader category of path manipulation attacks that exploit insufficient input validation. The attack vector specifically aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083 File and Directory Discovery, as it enables unauthorized access to sensitive system files and directories.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure to include potential file deletion capabilities, making it particularly dangerous for environments where sensitive biological research data is stored. Attackers could exploit this flaw to read confidential genomic sequences, research data, or system configuration files that contain authentication credentials or other sensitive information. The vulnerability affects organizations using legacy NCBI ToolBox installations, which are often found in research institutions, academic environments, and government agencies handling sensitive biological data. The implications include unauthorized data access, potential data exfiltration, and compromise of research integrity, particularly in contexts where data confidentiality is paramount.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-16716 should prioritize immediate patching of affected NCBI ToolBox versions to the latest secure releases that address the path traversal vulnerability. Organizations must implement proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms that strictly enforce directory boundaries and reject any input containing path traversal sequences such as ../ or ..\. Network segmentation and access controls should be enforced to limit exposure, while monitoring systems should be configured to detect suspicious query string patterns. Security teams should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all instances of the affected legacy software and ensure proper patch management processes are in place. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and input validation rules that specifically target path traversal patterns provides an additional layer of defense against exploitation attempts. Regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to verify that the implemented mitigations effectively prevent unauthorized access to sensitive system resources.