CVE-2023-27881 in Vuforia Studio
Summary
by MITRE • 06/08/2023
A user could use the “Upload Resource” functionality to upload files to any location on the disk.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/07/2023
This vulnerability represents a critical path traversal flaw that allows unauthorized file upload operations to write content to arbitrary locations on the target system filesystem. The issue stems from insufficient input validation and access control mechanisms within the resource upload functionality, enabling attackers to manipulate file paths during the upload process. The vulnerability specifically affects applications that permit users to upload files through web interfaces without proper sanitization of file destination paths. This weakness creates a direct pathway for attackers to bypass normal file system permissions and write malicious content to sensitive directories including system folders, configuration files, or other critical locations. The flaw operates at the application layer and can be exploited through crafted file names or path specifications that contain directory traversal sequences such as ../ or ..\.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability typically involves the application accepting user-supplied file paths without proper validation or normalization before writing files to disk. Attackers can leverage this by constructing malicious file names that include path traversal sequences or by manipulating parameters that determine the upload destination. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited to upload web shells, malware, or other malicious payloads to locations where they can be executed with elevated privileges. This weakness directly maps to CWE-22 - Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory, which is classified as a high-severity issue in the Common Weakness Enumeration catalog. The vulnerability can be exploited as part of a broader attack chain that aligns with ATT&CK technique T1195.001 - Supply Chain Compromise, where attackers establish persistence through file system manipulation.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-27881 is severe and can lead to complete system compromise. Successful exploitation allows attackers to achieve arbitrary code execution, data exfiltration, and persistence within the target environment. The vulnerability can be leveraged to upload malicious files to web server directories, system configuration files, or even system binaries, potentially leading to privilege escalation and lateral movement within the network. Organizations using affected applications may experience unauthorized access to sensitive data, system integrity compromise, and potential regulatory compliance violations. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in environments where the web application runs with elevated privileges or where the upload functionality is accessible to unauthenticated users. The exploitation can result in persistent backdoors, data corruption, or complete system takeover depending on the target location and permissions of the uploaded files.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both the immediate technical flaw and broader security architecture considerations. Organizations should implement strict input validation and sanitization for all file upload operations, including normalization of file paths and validation against a whitelist of acceptable destinations. The application should enforce proper access controls and ensure that file upload functionality operates within restricted directories that are isolated from critical system components. Implementing proper file extension validation, content type checking, and file size limits can further reduce the attack surface. Security measures should include disabling unnecessary file upload capabilities, implementing proper logging and monitoring of upload activities, and conducting regular security testing including penetration testing and static code analysis. The solution should align with defense-in-depth principles and incorporate secure coding practices that prevent path traversal vulnerabilities as outlined in OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines. Regular security updates and vulnerability management programs are essential to prevent exploitation of similar weaknesses in the application stack.