CVE-2024-46977 in cosmos
Summary
by MITRE • 10/02/2024
OpenC3 COSMOS provides the functionality needed to send commands to and receive data from one or more embedded systems. A path traversal vulnerability inside of LocalMode's open_local_file method allows an authenticated user with adequate permissions to download any .txt via the ScreensController#show on the web server COSMOS is running on (depending on the file permissions). This vulnerability is fixed in 5.19.0.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/31/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-46977 affects OpenC3 COSMOS, a comprehensive command and control system designed for managing communications with embedded systems. This platform serves as a critical interface for operators to send commands and receive telemetry data from various embedded devices within complex operational environments. The vulnerability resides within the LocalMode functionality, specifically in the open_local_file method that handles file operations within the system's local file access mechanisms. The affected component operates as part of the web server infrastructure that hosts the COSMOS interface, making it accessible through standard web protocols and user interactions.
The technical flaw manifests as a path traversal vulnerability that exploits insufficient input validation within the ScreensController#show method. When an authenticated user with appropriate permissions accesses the web interface, they can manipulate file path parameters to navigate beyond the intended directory boundaries. This allows the user to access and download any .txt file that exists on the system where COSMOS is installed, provided the file permissions permit such access. The vulnerability stems from the lack of proper path sanitization and validation, enabling attackers to construct malicious file paths that bypass normal access controls. This type of vulnerability maps directly to CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized file access, as it represents a significant security risk within operational technology environments. In contexts where COSMOS manages critical embedded systems, an attacker could potentially access sensitive configuration files, operational logs, or other system data that might reveal operational procedures, system architecture details, or credentials stored in text-based formats. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires only authentication and appropriate permissions, meaning that insider threats or compromised legitimate accounts could exploit this weakness. The fact that the vulnerability affects the web server interface means that network-based attacks could potentially leverage this flaw without requiring physical access to the system. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability relates to T1078 Valid Accounts and T1566 Phishing, as it could be exploited through compromised credentials or social engineering to gain unauthorized access to system information.
The remediation for this vulnerability was implemented in version 5.19.0 of OpenC3 COSMOS, which included proper input validation and path sanitization measures within the LocalMode functionality. Organizations utilizing COSMOS should prioritize upgrading to this version or later to mitigate the risk of unauthorized file access. System administrators should also implement additional monitoring of file access patterns and review user permissions to minimize the potential impact of credential compromise. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of proper input validation in web applications and the need for robust access controls in operational technology systems where unauthorized access could have serious operational or security implications.