CVE-2020-15050 in BioStar
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered in the Video Extension in Suprema BioStar 2 before 2.8.2. Remote attackers can read arbitrary files from the server via Directory Traversal.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/04/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-15050 resides within Suprema BioStar 2's Video Extension component and represents a critical directory traversal flaw that enables remote attackers to access arbitrary files on the affected server. This issue affects versions prior to 2.8.2 and demonstrates a fundamental weakness in input validation and file access controls within the video extension module. The vulnerability allows unauthorized remote exploitation without requiring authentication, making it particularly dangerous as it can be leveraged by attackers from any network location to gain access to sensitive server resources.
This directory traversal vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of user-supplied input parameters that are processed by the Video Extension module. When remote attackers submit malicious file path requests through the video extension interface, the system fails to properly sanitize or validate these inputs, allowing attackers to manipulate file access paths and traverse beyond the intended directory boundaries. The flaw operates by exploiting predictable path manipulation techniques that enable attackers to navigate the file system hierarchy and access files that should remain restricted, including configuration files, database files, and potentially system-level resources. This type of vulnerability directly maps to CWE-22, which defines improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized file access, as it can potentially lead to complete system compromise and data exfiltration. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to read sensitive configuration files that may contain database credentials, API keys, or other authentication tokens. The ability to access arbitrary files also opens the door for attackers to potentially discover additional vulnerabilities within the system or extract critical system information that could aid in further exploitation attempts. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083, which covers directory and file system discovery, and can serve as a foundational step for more sophisticated attacks including privilege escalation and lateral movement within the network infrastructure.
Organizations utilizing Suprema BioStar 2 systems must implement immediate mitigation strategies to address this vulnerability. The primary and most effective solution involves upgrading to version 2.8.2 or later, which includes proper input validation and path sanitization measures that prevent directory traversal attacks. Additionally, network-level mitigations should be implemented including firewall rules that restrict access to the Video Extension ports and services, particularly when the system is exposed to untrusted networks. Implementing web application firewalls with specific rules to detect and block directory traversal patterns can provide an additional layer of protection. Regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities within other system components, as this type of flaw often indicates broader security weaknesses in input validation practices. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of implementing principle of least privilege access controls and regular security assessments of third-party software components to prevent similar issues from arising in the future.