CVE-2024-2602 in FoxRTU Station
Summary
by MITRE • 07/11/2024
CWE-22: Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal') vulnerability exists that could result in remote code execution when an authenticated user executes a saved project file that has been tampered by a malicious actor.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/19/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-2602 represents a critical path traversal flaw classified under CWE-22, which fundamentally compromises the security boundaries of affected systems. This weakness enables malicious actors to bypass normal access controls by manipulating file paths in ways that allow them to navigate outside of intended directories and access restricted system resources. The vulnerability specifically manifests when authenticated users interact with project files that have been tampered with by adversaries, creating a sophisticated attack vector that combines social engineering with technical exploitation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and path sanitization mechanisms within the application's file handling processes. When a user opens a project file, the system fails to properly validate or sanitize the file paths contained within the project structure, allowing attackers to craft malicious project files that contain directory traversal sequences such as ../ or ..\ that can navigate upward through the file system hierarchy. This flaw operates at the core of application security controls, specifically targeting the principle of least privilege and secure file access patterns. The vulnerability's exploitation requires authentication, making it a more targeted threat that leverages legitimate user access to escalate privileges and execute arbitrary code on the affected system.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-2602 extends beyond simple unauthorized file access, as it provides a pathway for remote code execution that can fundamentally compromise system integrity and confidentiality. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute malicious payloads, establish persistence mechanisms, and potentially gain access to sensitive data or system resources that should remain protected. The authenticated nature of the attack means that adversaries must first obtain valid credentials, but once achieved, the vulnerability provides a powerful escalation mechanism that can bypass traditional network-based security controls. This vulnerability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, as well as T1078 for valid accounts, creating a comprehensive attack chain that can result in complete system compromise.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing robust input validation and path sanitization mechanisms that prevent directory traversal sequences from being processed within file operations. Organizations must enforce strict file path validation that rejects any input containing traversal sequences and implement proper access controls that limit file system interactions to authorized directories only. The solution approach should align with security best practices outlined in NIST SP 800-53 and ISO/IEC 27001, specifically addressing controls related to input validation and secure coding practices. Additionally, implementing application-level restrictions such as chroot jails, mandatory access controls, and proper privilege separation can significantly reduce the attack surface and limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. Regular security testing including static and dynamic analysis should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in the application's codebase.