Carel pCOWeb HVAC BACnet Gateway Local File Inclusion Scanner

The Carel pCOWeb HVAC BACnet Gateway is a specialized device used primarily in building automation systems to manage and control HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) functions. This product is utilized by facility managers, building automation professionals, and HVAC technicians to streamline the management of building climate systems. It provides an interface for integration with BACnet networks, which are commonly used in the industry for building management. The device supports remote access and control, allowing users to efficiently manage HVAC functions from a centralized system. The product plays a crucial role in reducing energy costs and optimizing climate control in large facilities.

Local File Inclusion (LFI) is a security vulnerability that allows attackers to include files from the targeted server through a web browser. The vulnerability arises when the server fails to properly validate user input, allowing attackers to manipulate file paths. This can result in the disclosure of sensitive server files, which can further facilitate gaining unauthorized access or escalating privileges within the system. In the context of the Carel pCOWeb HVAC BACnet Gateway, the vulnerability exploits input passed through the 'file' GET parameter in the 'logdownload.cgi' script. Effective exploitation could permit attackers to perform directory traversal attacks and view confidential files.

The specific issue within the Carel pCOWeb HVAC BACnet Gateway 2.1.0 concerns the 'logdownload.cgi' Bash script, where input through the 'file' parameter is improperly validated. An attacker can craft an HTTP GET request with a specially constructed file path that traverses directories within the server. This allows access to arbitrary files, potentially leading to exposure of sensitive information such as user credentials or system configurations. The presence of this flaw indicates insufficient input validation mechanisms within the affected script. Exploitation would typically be conducted remotely without authentication, increasing the risk posed by this vulnerability.

The successful exploitation of the Local File Inclusion vulnerability in the Carel pCOWeb HVAC BACnet Gateway can have several harmful effects. It may substantially increase the risk of an attacker gaining unauthorized access to sensitive files, potentially including configuration files or files containing sensitive operational data. This risk extends to information disclosure, service interruption, and further exploitation of the system via privilege escalation or other attack vectors. Consequently, the vulnerability endangers both the availability and confidentiality of the HVAC system, impacting its operation and control effectiveness.

REFERENCES

• https://www.zeroscience.mk/codes/carelpco_dir.txt
• https://thecyberpost.com/tools/exploits-cve/carel-pcoweb-hvac-bacnet-gateway-2-1-0-unauthenticated-directory-traversal/