CVE-2023-5097 in Workforce Access
Summary
by MITRE • 01/16/2024
Improper Input Validation vulnerability in HYPR Workforce Access on Windows allows Path Traversal.This issue affects Workforce Access: before 8.7.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/26/2024
The CVE-2023-5097 vulnerability represents a critical improper input validation flaw within HYPR Workforce Access software on Windows platforms, specifically exposing systems to path traversal attacks. This vulnerability exists in versions prior to 8.7 and fundamentally compromises the application's ability to properly validate user-supplied input, creating a dangerous pathway for malicious actors to access unauthorized system resources. The flaw resides in how the application processes file paths and directory references, failing to adequately sanitize or validate input parameters that should be strictly controlled to prevent access to arbitrary files or directories beyond the intended scope.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows attackers to manipulate input parameters through crafted directory traversal sequences such as ../ or ..\ to navigate outside the intended directory structure. When the application processes these malformed inputs without proper validation, it executes file operations that can access system files, configuration data, or other sensitive resources that should remain protected. This weakness directly maps to CWE-22, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal vulnerabilities. The vulnerability enables attackers to potentially read sensitive files, execute arbitrary code, or cause denial of service conditions by accessing system resources that should be restricted.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-5097 extends beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with a foundation for further exploitation within the targeted environment. Organizations utilizing HYPR Workforce Access before version 8.7 face significant risks including unauthorized data access, potential privilege escalation, and the possibility of establishing persistent access points within their infrastructure. The vulnerability can be exploited through various attack vectors including web interfaces, API endpoints, or any user-facing component that accepts file path parameters. This weakness creates an entry point that aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and script interpreter, and T1566.001 for spearphishing attachments, as attackers can leverage the path traversal to gain access to system files that may contain credentials or other sensitive information.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including upgrading to HYPR Workforce Access version 8.7 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the improper input validation issue. Additional protective measures include implementing robust input validation controls at all application entry points, deploying web application firewalls to monitor and filter suspicious path traversal attempts, and conducting comprehensive security assessments of all affected systems. Network segmentation and principle of least privilege configurations should be enforced to limit the potential damage from successful exploitation attempts. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual file access patterns that may indicate path traversal activity, while regular vulnerability scanning should be implemented to identify similar weaknesses in other applications and systems within the organization's attack surface.