CVE-2021-25450 in FactoryAirCommnadManger
Summary
by MITRE • 09/10/2021
Path traversal vulnerability in FactoryAirCommnadManger prior to SMR Sep-2021 Release 1 allows attackers to write file as system uid via remote socket.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/27/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-25450 represents a critical path traversal flaw within the FactoryAirCommnadManger component of a proprietary industrial communication system. This vulnerability exists in versions prior to the SMR September 2021 Release 1 and exposes the system to remote exploitation through a socket interface. The flaw allows remote attackers to manipulate file system operations by leveraging improper input validation mechanisms that fail to adequately sanitize file paths. The vulnerability specifically affects the system's ability to properly validate and restrict file operations, creating an avenue for arbitrary file write access with elevated privileges. This issue falls under the CWE-22 category of Path Traversal vulnerabilities, which are classified as weaknesses in input validation that allow attackers to access files and directories outside of the intended scope. The attack vector operates through a remote socket connection where malicious payloads can be transmitted to exploit the insufficient path validation logic. The vulnerability's severity is amplified by its ability to execute file operations with system uid privileges, effectively granting attackers root-level access to the file system. This represents a significant compromise of the system's integrity and confidentiality, as attackers can write files to any location within the system's file hierarchy. The operational impact extends beyond simple file manipulation to include potential system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive industrial data. The vulnerability enables attackers to place malicious files in critical system directories, potentially leading to persistent backdoors or privilege escalation attacks. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1078 Valid Accounts, as it allows for command execution with elevated privileges and potential account takeover. The flaw demonstrates poor input validation practices in the socket communication layer where file paths are not properly sanitized or normalized before being processed. The system's failure to implement proper path resolution mechanisms creates an opportunity for attackers to craft malicious paths that bypass normal access controls. This vulnerability specifically targets the communication manager component, which likely handles industrial protocol communications and data exchange between factory systems and external networks. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation can occur without physical access to the system, making it particularly dangerous in industrial environments where network security may be less stringent than in traditional enterprise settings. The path traversal mechanism allows attackers to traverse directory structures using sequences like "../" or similar path manipulation techniques to access restricted file systems. The fact that the vulnerability allows writing files as system uid indicates that the application's privilege model is not properly enforced during file operations, creating a direct path to system compromise. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability aligns with common attack patterns observed in industrial control systems where legacy code and insufficient security testing lead to critical flaws. The impact on industrial environments is particularly severe as these systems often lack the robust security controls found in enterprise environments, making such vulnerabilities more dangerous. Organizations should immediately implement network segmentation to isolate affected systems and monitor for suspicious socket activity. The vulnerability requires immediate patching through the SMR September 2021 Release 1 or equivalent security updates to address the path traversal flaw. Additionally, implementing proper input validation and privilege separation mechanisms will help prevent similar issues in future deployments. The vulnerability's exploitation potential makes it a high priority for industrial security teams to address through both immediate remediation and long-term security architecture improvements.