CVE-2024-6746 in EasySpider
Summary
by MITRE • 07/15/2024
A vulnerability classified as problematic was found in NaiboWang EasySpider 0.6.2 on Windows. Affected by this vulnerability is an unknown functionality of the file \EasySpider\resources\app\server.js of the component HTTP GET Request Handler. The manipulation with the input /../../../../../../../../../Windows/win.ini leads to path traversal: '../filedir'. The attack needs to be done within the local network. The exploit has been disclosed to the public and may be used. The identifier VDB-271477 was assigned to this vulnerability. NOTE: The code maintainer explains, that this is not a big issue "because the default is that the software runs locally without going through the Internet".
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/19/2024
CVE-2024-6746 represents a path traversal vulnerability affecting NaiboWang EasySpider version 0.6.2 on Windows systems. This vulnerability resides within the HTTP GET Request Handler component, specifically in the file server.js located at \EasySpider\resources\app\server.js. The flaw manifests when processing user-supplied input containing directory traversal sequences such as /../../../../../../../../../Windows/win.ini, which allows an attacker to manipulate the file path and access arbitrary files on the system. The vulnerability is classified as problematic under CWE-22, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. This weakness enables attackers to access files outside the intended directory structure, potentially exposing sensitive system information or files.
The attack vector requires local network access, meaning the exploitation cannot occur remotely over the internet. However, this limitation does not mitigate the security risk, as local network access is often more easily obtained than remote access in many environments. The vulnerability's exploitation involves crafting malicious requests that traverse directory structures to reach sensitive files such as the Windows win.ini configuration file, which contains system-level settings and can provide attackers with valuable information about the target system. The fact that the vulnerability has been publicly disclosed and is known to be exploitable, as indicated by the VDB-271477 identifier, increases the risk of successful exploitation. The code maintainer's statement that this is not a major concern because the software typically runs locally without internet exposure does not adequately address the threat model, as local network access can be achieved through various means including compromised internal systems, insider threats, or lateral movement during active attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as path traversal attacks can potentially lead to privilege escalation, system compromise, or data exfiltration. When an attacker successfully exploits this vulnerability, they can access not only the win.ini file but potentially other sensitive system files that may contain credentials, configuration details, or other system information. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and T1566 (Phishing for Information) as attackers may use such information to further compromise the system or target other systems within the network. The local network requirement means that the attack surface is limited to systems within the same network segment, but this does not prevent attackers from leveraging other vulnerabilities or access methods to gain local network presence. Organizations should consider this vulnerability as part of a broader attack surface assessment, particularly in environments where local network access is not adequately restricted or monitored.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing proper input validation and sanitization within the HTTP GET Request Handler component. The software should validate all user inputs to ensure they do not contain directory traversal sequences or other malicious path components. Implementing a whitelist approach for allowed file paths or using secure coding practices that prevent path traversal vulnerabilities should be prioritized. Organizations should also consider restricting network access to the EasySpider application to trusted networks only, implementing network segmentation, and monitoring for unusual network traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Regular security updates and patches should be applied as soon as they become available, and system administrators should conduct thorough security assessments of all locally running applications to identify similar vulnerabilities. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of considering both remote and local attack vectors, as the assumption that local-only operation provides sufficient security is often flawed in modern networked environments where lateral movement and privilege escalation are common attack techniques.