CVE-2022-37122 Scanner

Carel pCOWeb HVAC BACnet Gateway is widely used in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems to enable communication between BACnet devices for effective building management. It's used by facility managers and HVAC professionals to monitor and configure systems remotely. The gateway's web-based interface provides easy access to system settings and data, facilitating efficient HVAC operations. In commercial and industrial settings, it plays a crucial role in maintaining optimal operational conditions. Carel's gateway devices are appreciated for enhancing interoperability among HVAC components. Furthermore, they contribute to energy efficiency and centralized system oversight.

Path Traversal is a vulnerability that allows attackers to access directories and files on a server that are outside its intended webroot. Exploiting this vulnerability, attackers can disclose sensitive files, such as critical configuration files or user information, without needing authentication. This unauthorized access can potentially compromise the application's security and expose sensitive data. Path Traversal typically occurs when input is not properly validated, allowing special characters to navigate through directories. It's a serious concern, especially in systems handling sensitive or personal data. Ensuring proper input validation can mitigate such vulnerabilities.

The vulnerability exists in the logdownload.cgi file in Carel pCOWeb HVAC BACnet Gateway 2.1.0. The GET parameter 'file' is improperly validated, allowing directory traversal attacks. An attacker can manipulate the input to access restricted directories and files on the server. The vector for this attack is unauthenticated, making it easily exploitable. Once access is achieved, sensitive files such as '/etc/passwd' can be disclosed, compromising system security. Coders typically fail to restrict access paths, enabling such unauthorized disclosures through manipulated requests.

Exploiting this vulnerability can lead to unauthorized access to critical system files, potentially exposing user credentials and sensitive configurations. This could allow attackers to pivot to other systems or further their reach within the network. Compromising such access also renders systems vulnerable to subsequent attacks, potentially harming operational integrity and confidentiality. In large or complex systems, this could lead to significant operational disruptions. Sensitive environment data could be exposed, leading to privacy violations. Mitigation is crucial to prevent data breaches and maintain trust.

REFERENCES

• https://www.zeroscience.mk/en/vulnerabilities/ZSL-2022-5709.php
• https://www.zeroscience.mk/codes/carelpco_dir.txt
• https://packetstormsecurity.com/files/167684/
• https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2022-37122