CVE-2024-6049 in vsm LTC Time Sync vTimeSync
Summary
by MITRE • 10/24/2024
The web server of Lawo AG vsm LTC Time Sync (vTimeSync) is affected by a "..." (triple dot) path traversal vulnerability. By sending a specially crafted HTTP request, an unauthenticated remote attacker could download arbitrary files from the operating system. As a limitation, the exploitation is only possible if the requested file has some file extension, e. g. .exe or .txt.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/25/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-6049 affects the vTimeSync web server component of Lawo AG's vsm LTC Time Sync software, representing a critical path traversal flaw that enables unauthorized remote file access. This security weakness resides within the web server implementation and specifically exploits how the system processes HTTP requests containing directory traversal sequences. The vulnerability manifests when the web server fails to properly validate and sanitize input paths, allowing attackers to manipulate file access requests through crafted URLs that include triple dot sequences. The affected system operates as a time synchronization service commonly deployed in professional audio and video production environments where precise timing coordination is essential for broadcast and live event production.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability leverages the standard path traversal attack pattern where malicious input sequences bypass normal file access controls. The triple dot traversal mechanism allows attackers to navigate beyond the intended directory boundaries and access files outside the web server's root directory. However, the exploitation is constrained by the requirement that target files must possess valid file extensions, suggesting that the vulnerability may be mitigated by certain file system access controls or that the web server implementation specifically validates file extensions during the traversal process. This limitation indicates that the vulnerability may be partially mitigated by the system's default configuration or by specific file access policies that prevent arbitrary file access to files without extensions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized file access, as it could potentially expose sensitive system information, configuration files, or executable components that might aid in further exploitation attempts. In broadcast and professional media environments where vTimeSync systems are deployed, this vulnerability could compromise the integrity of time synchronization services that are critical for coordinated production workflows. Attackers could potentially access system configuration files, log data, or even executable binaries that might contain sensitive information or provide additional attack vectors. The vulnerability affects systems that are typically considered to be in secure environments but may not have comprehensive network segmentation or access controls in place, making them more susceptible to such attacks.
Security mitigations for CVE-2024-6049 should focus on implementing proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the web server component to prevent directory traversal attempts. Organizations should immediately apply vendor-provided patches or updates to address this vulnerability, as the lack of authentication requirements makes it particularly dangerous for remote exploitation. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to restrict access to the vTimeSync web server to only authorized personnel and systems. Additionally, monitoring for suspicious HTTP requests containing traversal sequences should be enabled to detect potential exploitation attempts. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-22 Path Traversal and follows patterns consistent with ATT&CK technique T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter, where attackers may leverage such vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access to system resources and potentially escalate privileges through the acquisition of sensitive files or executables that could be used for further compromise.