CVE-2022-41607 in Remote Access Server
Summary
by MITRE • 11/11/2022
All versions of ETIC Telecom Remote Access Server (RAS) 4.5.0 and prior’s application programmable interface (API) is vulnerable to directory traversal through several different methods. This could allow an attacker to read sensitive files from the server, including SSH private keys, passwords, scripts, python objects, database files, and more.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/16/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-41607 affects ETIC Telecom Remote Access Server version 4.5.0 and earlier releases, presenting a critical directory traversal flaw within the application programming interface. This security weakness stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the API endpoints that handle file operations. The vulnerability allows unauthorized attackers to manipulate file path parameters and navigate beyond the intended directory boundaries, thereby gaining access to sensitive system resources that should remain protected. The affected system operates as a remote access server, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to compromise network infrastructure and gain unauthorized access to critical assets.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability enables attackers to exploit multiple pathways through the API interface to perform directory traversal attacks. The flaw manifests when the application fails to properly validate or sanitize user-supplied file path inputs, allowing malicious actors to inject directory traversal sequences such as ../ or ..\ into file access requests. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-22 category of Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory, which is a well-documented weakness in software security that has been consistently referenced in security frameworks and standards. The API endpoints that handle file operations are particularly susceptible because they often process user inputs without adequate sanitization, creating opportunities for attackers to access files outside of designated directories.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, as it provides attackers with access to a wide range of sensitive system files that could compromise the entire security posture of the affected server. An attacker could potentially extract SSH private keys, which would enable them to establish unauthorized remote access to other systems within the network. Additionally, the vulnerability allows access to password files, scripts, python objects, and database files, which could provide attackers with credentials, application logic, and sensitive business data. The exposure of such files could lead to privilege escalation, lateral movement within the network, and complete system compromise. This vulnerability aligns with the ATT&CK technique T1078.004 - Valid Accounts: SSH Keys, which describes how adversaries can use stolen SSH keys to maintain persistent access to systems.
The implications of this vulnerability extend beyond immediate data exposure, as it represents a fundamental flaw in the server's security architecture that could enable more sophisticated attacks. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to deploy additional malicious payloads, modify system configurations, or establish backdoors for persistent access. The fact that this affects an API interface means that the vulnerability could be exploited through automated tools, making it particularly dangerous for systems that expose the API to external networks or untrusted users. Organizations utilizing ETIC Telecom RAS 4.5.0 or earlier versions face significant risk of data breaches, regulatory violations, and operational disruption. The vulnerability's impact is compounded by the fact that it affects a remote access server, which typically serves as a critical entry point for network operations and system management.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate patching of the affected software to address the directory traversal vulnerability in the API implementation. Organizations should also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of the vulnerable API endpoints to untrusted networks. Input validation and sanitization mechanisms should be strengthened to prevent directory traversal sequences from being processed by the application. The implementation of proper access controls and authentication mechanisms within the API should be reviewed to ensure that only authorized users can access sensitive file operations. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive security assessments of their network infrastructure to identify any potential exploitation of this vulnerability and implement monitoring solutions to detect suspicious API activity that could indicate attempted exploitation of the directory traversal flaw.