CVE-2023-48246 in Nexo Cordless Nutrunner
Summary
by MITRE • 01/10/2024
The vulnerability allows a remote attacker to download arbitrary files in all paths of the system under the context of the application OS user (“root”) via a crafted HTTP request.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/28/2024
This vulnerability represents a critical remote file disclosure flaw that enables attackers to access any file within the application's file system through specially crafted HTTP requests. The issue stems from inadequate input validation and path traversal mechanisms within the application's file handling functionality, allowing malicious actors to bypass normal access controls and retrieve sensitive data from arbitrary system locations. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited without authentication, making it particularly dangerous as it can be leveraged by anyone with network access to the affected system. The attack vector specifically targets HTTP request processing where file paths are not properly sanitized before being used to access system resources, creating a direct pathway for unauthorized data retrieval.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the application's failure to properly validate or sanitize user-supplied input that is subsequently used to construct file paths for system access. When a malicious HTTP request is processed, the application interprets the crafted input as a legitimate file path specification without proper validation, allowing the attacker to traverse the file system and access files that should normally be restricted. This flaw typically manifests when the application uses user input directly in file system operations without appropriate sanitization or access control checks. The vulnerability can be classified under CWE-22 which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The impact is amplified because the application executes with elevated privileges, typically running as the root user, which means the attacker can access system-critical files, configuration data, and potentially sensitive credentials stored within the application's file system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with comprehensive access to the application's underlying file system. An attacker could potentially extract application configuration files containing database credentials, encryption keys, or other sensitive information that could be used for further exploitation. The vulnerability also enables attackers to access log files, temporary files, and other system artifacts that may contain additional attack vectors or sensitive data. From an attacker's perspective, this vulnerability can be exploited through various methods including direct HTTP request manipulation, web application fuzzing tools, or automated scanning systems. The attack can be executed remotely without requiring any special privileges or authentication, making it particularly attractive for automated exploitation campaigns. The vulnerability essentially transforms the application into a remote file access service, where any file accessible to the application's user context can be downloaded by an attacker, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must focus on implementing robust input validation and access control mechanisms within the application's file handling processes. The primary defense involves sanitizing all user-supplied input that is used in file system operations, ensuring that path traversal sequences such as "../" or "..\" are properly detected and rejected. Implementing a whitelist-based approach for file access, where only predefined safe paths are allowed, provides a strong defense against unauthorized file access. Additionally, applications should be configured to run with minimal required privileges rather than as root, reducing the potential impact of successful exploitation. Network-level controls such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of protection by monitoring for suspicious file access patterns. Regular security testing including automated vulnerability scanning and manual penetration testing should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities. The implementation of proper access control lists and file permission settings can further limit the damage that could occur even if the vulnerability is successfully exploited. Organizations should also implement comprehensive monitoring and logging of file access operations to detect unauthorized access attempts and respond appropriately to potential security incidents.