CVE-2024-11667 in ATP
Summary
by MITRE • 11/27/2024
A directory traversal vulnerability in the web management interface of Zyxel ATP series firmware versions V5.00 through V5.38, USG FLEX series firmware versions V5.00 through V5.38, USG FLEX 50(W) series firmware versions V5.10 through V5.38, and USG20(W)-VPN series firmware versions V5.10 through V5.38 could allow an attacker to download or upload files via a crafted URL.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/06/2024
This directory traversal vulnerability exists within the web management interfaces of multiple Zyxel network security devices including ATP series, USG FLEX series, USG FLEX 50(W) series, and USG20(W)-VPN series. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation in the firmware's web interface handling of file paths, allowing attackers to manipulate URL parameters to access arbitrary files on the device filesystem. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-22 as improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, which is a fundamental security weakness in file access controls. This issue affects firmware versions ranging from V5.00 through V5.38 for ATP and USG FLEX series, with the USG FLEX 50(W) and USG20(W)-VPN series extending to V5.38, creating a substantial attack surface across multiple device families.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability enables attackers to perform both file download and upload operations through crafted URLs that manipulate the web interface's path resolution mechanisms. An attacker can construct malicious URLs that traverse directories beyond the intended web root, potentially accessing sensitive configuration files, system binaries, or other critical data. This capability represents a significant escalation from standard reconnaissance to active exploitation, as it allows for data exfiltration and potential system compromise. The vulnerability operates at the application layer within the web server component of the device firmware, making it accessible through standard HTTP/HTTPS protocols without requiring physical access or specialized equipment.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data access, as it provides attackers with the ability to upload malicious files to the device, potentially leading to persistent backdoors or system compromise. Network administrators who rely on these web interfaces for device management face significant risk, as the vulnerability can be exploited remotely without authentication. The affected device families represent critical network infrastructure components that control network traffic, firewall rules, and security policies. This vulnerability directly impacts the integrity and confidentiality of network security devices, potentially allowing attackers to modify firewall configurations, extract sensitive network information, or establish persistent access points within the network infrastructure.
Organizations should immediately implement network segmentation to isolate affected devices from critical network segments, apply firmware updates from Zyxel as soon as they become available, and monitor network traffic for suspicious activity related to these specific device families. Security teams should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments across their entire network inventory to identify all affected devices and ensure proper patch management procedures are in place. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1566 as "Phishing with Malicious File" and potentially T1078 as "Valid Accounts" if authentication is bypassed, though the primary concern is the direct file system access. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing network monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous URL patterns and file access attempts that may indicate exploitation attempts.