CVE-2025-46704 in iView
Summary
by MITRE • 07/11/2025
A vulnerability exists in Advantech iView in NetworkServlet.processImportRequest() that could allow for a directory traversal attack. This issue requires an authenticated attacker with at least user-level privileges. A specific parameter is not properly sanitized or normalized, potentially allowing an attacker to determine the existence of arbitrary files on the server.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/24/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-46704 resides within Advantech iView's NetworkServlet.processImportRequest() component, representing a critical directory traversal flaw that compromises system security. This weakness manifests when the application fails to adequately sanitize or normalize a specific parameter, creating an exploitable pathway for malicious actors to access arbitrary files on the server. The vulnerability requires an authenticated attacker with at least user-level privileges to exploit, indicating that the attack vector is not entirely open to anonymous exploitation but remains a significant concern for systems with compromised user accounts or insufficient privilege controls.
The technical flaw stems from inadequate input validation and parameter sanitization within the import request processing functionality. When an attacker submits a maliciously crafted parameter through the processImportRequest method, the application does not properly normalize the input to prevent directory traversal sequences such as ../ or ..\ that would otherwise allow access to files outside the intended directory structure. This failure directly maps to CWE-22, which defines improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as directory traversal or path traversal attacks. The vulnerability specifically affects the file system access controls implemented by the application, potentially exposing sensitive configuration files, log data, or other system resources that should remain protected from unauthorized access.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file enumeration, as it provides attackers with the capability to determine the existence of arbitrary files on the server, which can serve as a reconnaissance step for more sophisticated attacks. An authenticated attacker could leverage this vulnerability to discover sensitive system files, configuration parameters, or potentially even credentials stored in accessible locations. The implications for industrial control systems and network monitoring environments where Advantech iView is deployed are particularly concerning, as such systems often contain proprietary data, operational parameters, and sensitive network information that could be exploited for further compromise. The vulnerability essentially undermines the application's file access controls and could potentially lead to privilege escalation or information disclosure attacks that compromise the integrity of the entire system.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2025-46704 should focus on immediate parameter sanitization and input validation improvements within the NetworkServlet.processImportRequest() method. Organizations should implement proper input normalization techniques that strip or encode potentially dangerous characters and sequences from user-supplied parameters before processing. The implementation of a whitelist-based approach for file access, combined with strict path validation, would significantly reduce the attack surface. Additionally, enforcing principle of least privilege for user accounts and implementing proper access controls within the application framework would limit the damage potential even if an attacker manages to exploit the vulnerability. Regular security assessments and code reviews focusing on input validation and file access controls should be conducted to prevent similar issues in other application components. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and adhering to standards such as those outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines for preventing directory traversal attacks in web applications.