CVE-2018-16796 in GRC Suite
Summary
by MITRE
HiScout GRC Suite before 3.1.5 allows Unrestricted Upload of Files with Dangerous Types.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/16/2023
The HiScout GRC Suite vulnerability CVE-2018-16796 represents a critical security flaw in the governance risk and compliance platform that affects versions prior to 3.1.5. This vulnerability falls under the category of unrestricted file upload, a well-documented weakness that has been classified by CWE as CWE-434, which specifically addresses the upload of files with dangerous types. The vulnerability exists in the application's file handling mechanisms where proper validation and sanitization of uploaded content are insufficiently implemented, allowing malicious actors to bypass security controls and upload potentially harmful files to the system.
The technical implementation of this flaw permits attackers to upload files with dangerous extensions such as .jsp, .php, .asp, or .aspx without proper restrictions or content verification. This unrestricted upload capability creates a pathway for remote code execution attacks, as the system does not adequately validate file types, content, or file extensions against a whitelist of approved formats. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and the absence of proper file type checking mechanisms that should be implemented at both the client and server levels. Attackers can exploit this weakness by uploading malicious scripts or web shells that can be executed within the application's context, potentially leading to full system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, affecting organizations that rely on HiScout GRC Suite for their governance and compliance management processes. Successful exploitation could result in unauthorized access to sensitive organizational data, complete system compromise, and potential lateral movement within the network. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190, which covers the use of unauthorized access to execute code through web applications, and T1078, which addresses valid accounts for persistence. Organizations using this platform face significant risk of data breaches, regulatory violations, and compliance failures, as the vulnerability could be leveraged to access confidential information and disrupt business operations.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate patching to version 3.1.5 or later, which addresses the unrestricted file upload issue through enhanced validation mechanisms. Organizations should implement comprehensive file type validation using allowlists of approved extensions, perform content inspection of uploaded files, and ensure proper file storage separation from web-accessible directories. Additional security measures include implementing proper access controls, monitoring file upload activities, and conducting regular security assessments. The remediation process should follow industry best practices for secure coding and application security, including the implementation of secure file handling procedures and regular vulnerability scanning to prevent similar issues from arising in the future.