CVE-2019-7227 in IDAL
Summary
by MITRE
In the ABB IDAL FTP server, an authenticated attacker can traverse to arbitrary directories on the hard disk with "CWD ../" and then use the FTP server functionality to download and upload files. An unauthenticated attacker can take advantage of the hardcoded or default credential pair exor/exor to become an authenticated attacker.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/09/2023
The CVE-2019-7227 vulnerability affects the ABB IDAL FTP server, representing a critical directory traversal flaw that enables unauthorized access to system files and directories. This vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the server's implementation of the Change Working Directory (CWD) command, allowing attackers to navigate beyond the intended file system boundaries through crafted directory traversal sequences. The flaw exists in the server's handling of relative path references, specifically when processing the "../" traversal pattern that is commonly used to move up directory levels in file systems.
The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the authentication level, where an attacker can leverage default credentials to gain initial access before exploiting the directory traversal capability. The hardcoded credential pair exor/exor provides an easy entry point for unauthenticated attackers who can immediately escalate their privileges and gain full control over the FTP server's file system operations. This default credential configuration violates fundamental security principles and represents a common misconfiguration pattern that has been documented in numerous security assessments and penetration testing reports.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability involves two distinct phases that align with the attack chain methodology described in the ATT&CK framework. First, an attacker must authenticate to the system using the default credentials, which corresponds to the credential access phase. Once authenticated, the attacker can leverage the directory traversal functionality to navigate to arbitrary directories on the hard disk, effectively bypassing normal file system access controls. This behavior maps to the privilege escalation and persistence tactics described in ATT&CK, as the attacker can then download and upload files to and from any accessible directory on the compromised system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized file access, as it provides attackers with complete control over the FTP server's file system. This level of access enables malicious actors to exfiltrate sensitive data, deploy malware, modify system files, or establish persistent backdoors within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability affects industrial control systems and critical infrastructure environments where ABB IDAL FTP servers are commonly deployed, potentially compromising the integrity of operational technology environments. The presence of default credentials in industrial systems represents a significant gap in security posture that aligns with CWE-798, which specifically addresses the use of hardcoded credentials in software.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately implement multiple layers of mitigation strategies to address both the authentication and directory traversal aspects of the flaw. The primary remediation involves changing the default credentials to strong, unique passwords and implementing proper access control mechanisms that prevent unauthorized authentication attempts. Additionally, network segmentation and firewall rules should be configured to restrict access to FTP services to only trusted network segments, reducing the attack surface available to potential adversaries. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of regular security assessments and proper configuration management practices that align with industry standards such as NIST SP 800-53 and ISO 27001 requirements for secure system administration.