CVE-2022-43514 in Automation License Manager
Summary
by MITRE • 01/10/2023
A vulnerability has been identified in Automation License Manager V5 (All versions), Automation License Manager V6 (All versions < V6.0 SP9 Upd4). The affected component does not correctly validate the root path on folder related operations, allowing to modify files and folders outside the intended root directory. This could allow an unauthenticated remote attacker to execute file operations of files outside of the specified root folder. Chained with CVE-2022-43513 this could allow Remote Code Execution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/10/2023
This vulnerability resides within the Automation License Manager software across multiple versions, specifically affecting V5 and V6 (prior to SP9 Upd4) installations. The core issue manifests as a path traversal flaw that undermines the application's directory validation mechanisms. The affected component fails to properly sanitize or validate the root path during folder operations, creating a critical security gap that allows unauthorized access beyond intended boundaries. This misconfiguration enables attackers to manipulate file system operations outside the designated root directory, fundamentally compromising the application's security model and access controls.
The technical flaw represents a classic directory traversal vulnerability that operates at the file system level, where input validation mechanisms are insufficient to prevent malicious path manipulation. This weakness directly maps to CWE-22 - Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory, which is a well-documented vulnerability pattern in software security. The vulnerability's impact is amplified when chained with CVE-2022-43513, as the combination creates a complete remote code execution pathway. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to perform arbitrary file operations including read, write, and delete operations on files outside the intended root directory, potentially leading to full system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe for organizations utilizing Automation License Manager, as it enables unauthenticated remote exploitation without requiring any prior access credentials. An attacker can remotely execute file operations on system resources beyond the intended application scope, potentially accessing sensitive configuration files, modifying critical system components, or establishing persistent access points. The vulnerability's remote nature means that exploitation can occur from any network location without the need for local system access, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where such software may be exposed to external networks. This threat is further compounded by the lack of authentication requirements, which means any external party can attempt exploitation without prior authorization or credentials.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate patching of affected versions to the latest available releases that contain the necessary path validation fixes. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit access to Automation License Manager installations and ensure that these systems are not exposed to untrusted networks. Additionally, firewall rules should be configured to restrict access to the specific ports used by the Automation License Manager service, reducing the attack surface. System administrators should also conduct comprehensive audits of file system permissions and access controls to ensure that even if exploitation occurs, the damage is limited. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 - Command and Scripting Interpreter: Windows Command Shell, as successful exploitation could enable command execution through file manipulation operations, and T1566.001 - Phishing: Spearphishing Attachment, as attackers may use this vulnerability to deliver malicious payloads through compromised systems. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be implemented to identify similar path traversal flaws in other applications within the organization's infrastructure.