CVE-2022-42971 in APC Easy UPS Online
Summary
by MITRE • 02/01/2023
A CWE-434: Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type vulnerability exists that could cause remote code execution when the attacker uploads a malicious JSP file. Affected Products: APC Easy UPS Online Monitoring Software (Windows 7, 10, 11 & Windows Server 2016, 2019, 2022 - Versions prior to V2.5-GA), APC Easy UPS Online Monitoring Software (Windows 11, Windows Server 2019, 2022 - Versions prior to V2.5-GA-01-22261), Schneider Electric Easy UPS Online Monitoring Software (Windows 7, 10, 11 & Windows Server 2016, 2019, 2022 - Versions prior to V2.5-GS), Schneider Electric Easy UPS Online Monitoring Software (Windows 11, Windows Server 2019, 2022 - Versions prior to V2.5-GS-01-22261)
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/01/2023
The vulnerability described represents a critical security flaw categorized as CWE-434: Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type, which fundamentally compromises the integrity and security posture of affected monitoring software systems. This weakness occurs when applications fail to properly validate file uploads, particularly those with executable extensions such as JSP (Java Server Pages) files that can be interpreted by web servers and executed on the target system. The vulnerability affects multiple versions of APC and Schneider Electric Easy UPS Online Monitoring Software across various Windows operating systems including Windows 7, 10, 11, and server variants up to Windows Server 2022, with specific versions prior to their respective V2.5 releases.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows attackers to upload malicious JSP files through the monitoring software interface, which can then be executed on the target system by the web server component that processes these files. This creates a direct path for remote code execution, enabling attackers to gain unauthorized access to the compromised system and potentially escalate privileges within the network environment. The flaw specifically impacts systems where the monitoring software operates as a web application or integrates with web servers that support JSP processing, making the attack surface particularly dangerous given the critical nature of UPS monitoring systems in data center environments.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple remote code execution to encompass complete system compromise and potential denial of service conditions. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to install backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data from the monitoring environment, or use the compromised system as a foothold for lateral movement within enterprise networks where UPS monitoring systems are often deployed. The affected software typically runs with elevated privileges necessary for UPS management functions, amplifying the potential damage that can be achieved through exploitation. This vulnerability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1190: Exploit Public-Facing Application, which involves targeting applications accessible from external networks to establish initial compromise.
Organizations should immediately implement comprehensive mitigations including strict file type validation, mandatory content inspection of uploaded files, and removal of unnecessary upload capabilities where possible. The most effective remediation strategy involves implementing robust input validation that explicitly blocks dangerous file extensions such as .jsp, .jspx, .war, and other executable formats while maintaining proper authorization controls on upload functions. Security teams should also consider deploying web application firewalls to monitor and filter file uploads, and implement network segmentation to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation. Additionally, regular patch management processes must be established to ensure all affected systems receive updates containing proper file validation controls, with particular attention to the specific version requirements mentioned in the vulnerability description for both APC and Schneider Electric products. The remediation process should also include comprehensive security awareness training for system administrators who may inadvertently enable dangerous upload capabilities during configuration or maintenance activities.