CVE-2019-17403 in Impact
Summary
by MITRE
Nokia IMPACT < 18A: An unrestricted File Upload vulnerability was found that may lead to Remote Code Execution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/27/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-17403 affects Nokia IMPACT software versions prior to 18A, representing a critical security flaw that enables unauthorized file uploads without proper access controls or validation mechanisms. This issue stems from insufficient input sanitization and validation processes within the application's file handling functionality, creating an exploitable pathway for malicious actors to bypass security restrictions. The vulnerability specifically manifests in the application's inability to properly validate file types, sizes, or content during upload operations, allowing attackers to submit arbitrary files that could execute code on the target system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a lack of proper file type checking and content validation within the upload handler component of the Nokia IMPACT platform. Attackers can exploit this weakness by uploading malicious files with extensions that are not properly restricted, such as php, aspx, or other script files that can be executed by the web server. The flaw operates at the application layer where user-supplied data is processed without adequate sanitization, creating a direct pathway for remote code execution. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-434, which specifically addresses Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 for Exploit Public-Facing Application.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized file uploads, as it provides attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary code on the affected system with the privileges of the web application. This could result in complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and potential lateral movement within the network. Organizations using Nokia IMPACT software in production environments face significant risk of unauthorized access and potential data breaches, particularly in scenarios where the application is exposed to untrusted users or external networks. The vulnerability's severity is amplified by the fact that it requires no authentication to exploit, making it particularly dangerous in environments where the application is accessible to external parties.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include immediate patching to version 18A or later, which addresses the unrestricted file upload issue through proper input validation and file type restrictions. Organizations should implement additional security controls such as restricting file upload functionality to trusted users only, implementing strict file type whitelisting, and configuring web server rules to prevent execution of uploaded files. Network segmentation and monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous upload activities, while regular security assessments should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications. The implementation of web application firewalls and runtime application self-protection mechanisms can provide additional layers of defense against exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider conducting security awareness training for administrators and developers to prevent similar issues in custom applications and ensure proper secure coding practices are followed throughout the software development lifecycle.