CVE-2024-27768 in Unistream Unilogic
Summary
by MITRE • 03/18/2024
Unitronics Unistream Unilogic – Versions prior to 1.35.227 - CWE-22: 'Path Traversal' may allow RCE
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/10/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-27768 affects Unitronics Unistream Unilogic software versions prior to 1.35.227 and represents a critical path traversal flaw categorized under CWE-22. This vulnerability resides within industrial control systems that are widely deployed in manufacturing and automation environments, making it particularly concerning for operational technology infrastructure. The affected system operates as a programmable logic controller (PLC) platform that manages industrial processes through its graphical programming interface and web-based management capabilities. The path traversal vulnerability specifically manifests in the software's handling of file paths when processing user-supplied input through its web interface, creating opportunities for unauthorized access to critical system resources.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows an attacker to manipulate file path parameters through HTTP requests that are processed by the Unilogic system's web server component. When the system receives requests containing maliciously crafted path traversal sequences such as ../ or ..\, it fails to properly validate or sanitize these inputs before attempting to access files on the underlying operating system. This improper input validation creates a condition where attackers can navigate beyond the intended directory structure and access restricted files, directories, or even execute arbitrary code on the target system. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited remotely without requiring authentication, allowing attackers to potentially gain full system control and manipulate industrial processes. This flaw directly enables a wide range of malicious activities including data exfiltration, system compromise, and disruption of critical manufacturing operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access to pose significant threats to industrial cybersecurity and operational continuity. Organizations utilizing affected Unilogic systems face potential exposure to advanced persistent threats that could compromise production processes, manipulate critical data, or cause physical damage to industrial equipment. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers can target these systems from external networks without requiring physical access, making it particularly dangerous for industrial environments that may have limited network segmentation. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving privilege escalation and persistence mechanisms that could allow attackers to establish long-term access to industrial control systems. The potential for remote code execution creates opportunities for attackers to install backdoors, modify control logic, or disrupt production workflows, with consequences that could extend to safety systems and regulatory compliance requirements.
Organizations should prioritize immediate remediation by upgrading to Unilogic version 1.35.227 or later, which includes proper input validation and path sanitization measures to prevent the exploitation of this vulnerability. Network segmentation should be implemented to limit access to these industrial control systems, and access controls should be strictly enforced using multi-factor authentication and role-based access controls. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual file access patterns or attempts to exploit path traversal vulnerabilities in industrial environments. Regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing should be conducted specifically targeting industrial control systems to identify and remediate similar weaknesses. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of secure coding practices in industrial software development, particularly regarding input validation and file system access controls, which should align with industry standards such as IEC 62443 and NIST SP 800-82 for industrial cybersecurity frameworks.