CVE-2018-2006 in Robotic Process Automation with Automation Anywhere
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Robotic Process Automation with Automation Anywhere 11 could allow a remote attacker to traverse directories on the system. An attacker could send a specially-crafted URL request containing "dot dot" sequences (/../) to upload arbitrary files to the system. IBM X-Force ID: 155008.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/11/2023
This vulnerability exists within IBM Robotic Process Automation with Automation Anywhere version 11, representing a critical directory traversal flaw that enables remote attackers to manipulate file system access patterns. The vulnerability specifically manifests through crafted URL requests that contain "dot dot" sequences, which are standard directory traversal techniques used to navigate upward through file system hierarchies. When an attacker submits a malicious request containing these sequences, the system fails to properly validate the input, allowing unauthorized access to directories outside the intended scope. This weakness directly relates to CWE-22, which defines improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the lack of proper input sanitization in the file upload functionality of the automation platform. When the system processes a request containing directory traversal sequences, it does not adequately validate or sanitize the path components, enabling attackers to manipulate the file upload destination. This flaw allows malicious actors to upload arbitrary files to system directories that should remain protected, potentially leading to unauthorized code execution, data compromise, or system takeover. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the application layer and requires no special privileges to exploit, making it accessible to any remote attacker with knowledge of the system's interface.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized file uploads, as it creates a potential gateway for more sophisticated attacks within the enterprise environment. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could potentially gain access to sensitive business processes, automate malicious activities through the RPA platform, or establish persistent access points within the organization's automated workflows. The attack vector through URL manipulation means that this vulnerability could be exploited via web browsers, automated tools, or even through social engineering techniques that trick users into clicking malicious links. This represents a significant risk to organizations that rely on robotic process automation for critical business functions, as it could compromise the integrity of automated processes and potentially lead to data breaches or operational disruptions.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including input validation controls that filter or reject directory traversal sequences in all user-supplied inputs, particularly those related to file operations and path specifications. Network segmentation and access controls should be strengthened to limit exposure of the affected system to untrusted networks. Regular security assessments should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the automation infrastructure. The mitigation strategy should align with defense-in-depth principles and incorporate monitoring solutions capable of detecting anomalous file upload patterns or suspicious URL requests containing traversal sequences. Additionally, organizations should ensure that all systems are patched promptly when vendor security updates become available, as this vulnerability represents a known exploit that has been documented in security databases including the X-Force vulnerability database referenced in the IBM advisory.