1. What is this vulnerability and why does it matter?

This is a path traversal vulnerability (CWE-22) affecting the Java version of CData Arc when running using the embedded Jetty server. It matters because it allows an unauthenticated remote attacker to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information and perform limited actions on the affected system. This could lead to data exposure, unauthorized data manipulation, and potential further compromise of the system.

2. What are the CVSS score, severity level, and disclosure details?

• CVSS Score: None
• Severity Level: While a CVSS score is not provided, the nature of the vulnerability (unauthenticated remote path traversal leading to sensitive information access and limited actions) suggests a high severity.
• Disclosure Details:
  • Published: 2024-04-05 17:42:15
  • Modified: 2024-08-26 20:14:14

3. Which products, vendors, systems, and versions are affected?

• Vendor: CData
• Product: CData Arc (Java version)
• Systems: Systems running the Java version of CData Arc with the embedded Jetty server.
• Affected Versions: All versions of CData Arc (Java version) prior to 23.4.8839.

4. What is the technical root cause and attack vector?

• Technical Root Cause: The technical root cause is a path traversal vulnerability, classified as CWE-22 (Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal')). This typically occurs when input referring to file paths or directories is not properly sanitized or validated, allowing an attacker to access files or directories outside of the intended scope by using sequences like "../".
• Attack Vector: The attack vector is an unauthenticated remote attacker. The vulnerability can be exploited when CData Arc is running using its embedded Jetty server, allowing an attacker to send specially crafted requests over the network without requiring any authentication.

5. How can this vulnerability be exploited?

An unauthenticated remote attacker can exploit this vulnerability by crafting malicious HTTP requests containing directory traversal sequences (e.g., ../, ..\) within URL parameters or request bodies. These requests, when processed by the vulnerable Java version of CData Arc running on the embedded Jetty server, can allow the attacker to read arbitrary files on the server's file system, including sensitive configuration files, application data, or even system files. The ability to perform "limited actions" could imply file creation, modification, or deletion, depending on the specific implementation flaws.

6. What mitigation steps and patches are available?

The primary mitigation step is to upgrade the affected CData Arc installation to a patched version.

• Patch: Upgrade CData Arc (Java version) to version 23.4.8839 or later. This version contains the fix for the path traversal vulnerability.

7. How can vulnerable systems be detected?

To detect vulnerable systems, administrators should:

• Identify all deployments of CData Arc within their environment.
• Verify if the CData Arc installation is the Java version and if it is utilizing the embedded Jetty server.
• Check the version number of the CData Arc installation. Any version prior to 23.4.8839 is vulnerable.
• Review system and application logs for unusual file access attempts or error messages related to file path handling.

8. What are the indicators of compromise (IOCs)?

Potential Indicators of Compromise (IOCs) for this vulnerability may include:

• Unusual or suspicious entries in web server access logs (Jetty logs) showing attempts to access directories outside of the normal application path, especially those containing path traversal sequences (e.g., "%2e%2e%2f", "../", "..\").
• Presence of unexpected or unauthorized files on the server file system, particularly in directories outside the CData Arc installation.
• Unauthorized modification or deletion of existing files.
• Logs indicating access to sensitive configuration files, password files, or other system-level data by the CData Arc process.
• Outbound network connections from the affected server to unknown or suspicious IP addresses, which could indicate data exfiltration.
• Unexpected application crashes or errors that might result from failed exploitation attempts.

9. Which threat actors are known to exploit this vulnerability?

At present, the provided CVE data does not specify any particular threat actors or groups known to be actively exploiting CVE-2024-31850.

10. What public intelligence references and advisories exist?

The primary public intelligence reference is the CVE entry itself:

• CVE-2024-31850

Additional advisories or release notes from CData would likely be available on their official website, typically associated with the release of version 23.4.8839.

11. What is the risk assessment and urgency level?

• Risk Assessment: High. This path traversal vulnerability allows an unauthenticated remote attacker to gain access to sensitive information and perform limited actions. Such access can lead to significant data breaches, unauthorized system modification, and potentially open doors for further malicious activities on the compromised system or network. The lack of authentication required makes it particularly dangerous.
• Urgency Level: High. Due to the unauthenticated remote attack vector and the potential for sensitive data exposure and system compromise, immediate action is required. Organizations using affected versions of CData Arc should prioritize upgrading to the patched version 23.4.8839 or newer without delay.