CVE-2017-7424 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

A vulnerability known as Path Traversal (CWE-22) has been discovered in Micro Focus Enterprise Developer and Enterprise Server versions 2.3, allowing remote authenticated users to download arbitrary files from the system.

Understanding CVE-2017-7424

This CVE identifies a security flaw in Micro Focus Enterprise Developer and Enterprise Server versions 2.3, 2.3 Update 1 (before Hotfix 8), and 2.3 Update 2 (before Hotfix 9) that enables unauthorized file downloads.

What is CVE-2017-7424?

The vulnerability, categorized as Path Traversal (CWE-22), affects the esfadmingui feature in the specified versions of Micro Focus products. It permits authenticated remote users to retrieve files from the system where the product is installed.

The Impact of CVE-2017-7424

The vulnerability allows remote authenticated users to download any type of files from the system where the affected Micro Focus products are installed, if the esfadmingui feature has been configured. Notably, the esfadmingui feature is not enabled by default.

Technical Details of CVE-2017-7424

This section provides detailed technical insights into the CVE.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in esfadmingui in Micro Focus Enterprise Developer and Enterprise Server versions 2.3, 2.3 Update 1 (prior to Hotfix 8), and 2.3 Update 2 (prior to Hotfix 9) allows remote authenticated users to perform unauthorized file downloads.

Affected Systems and Versions

Products: Micro Focus Enterprise Developer, Micro Focus Enterprise Server
Vendor: Micro Focus
Vulnerable Versions: All versions before 2.3 Update 1, 2.3 Update 1 before Hotfix 8, 2.3 Update 2 before Hotfix 9

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by authenticated remote users to download files from the system where the affected Micro Focus products are installed, provided the esfadmingui feature has been configured.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2017-7424 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Disable the esfadmingui feature if not required for essential operations.
Apply the necessary patches and updates provided by Micro Focus to address the vulnerability.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor and update security configurations to prevent similar vulnerabilities.
Conduct security assessments and audits to identify and mitigate potential risks.

Patching and Updates

Install the recommended patches and updates released by Micro Focus to secure the affected versions of Enterprise Developer and Enterprise Server.