External risk intelligence

Nostromo nhttpd Directory Traversal Leading to Code Execution

CVE advisoryKnown Exploit

CVE-2019-16278

A directory traversal flaw in the nostromo nhttpd web server permits remote code execution. This could allow attackers to compromise systems and data via crafted HTTP requests, posing a significant risk to business operations. Organizations should identify and restrict access to vulnerable instances.

4Halo Surface Signal

Path Traversal

Nazgul Nostromo Nhttpd

before 1.9.7

External exposure likelihood

Halo Surface Signal score for CVE-2019-16278

Nostromo nhttpd is a web server designed to listen for and process incoming HTTP requests directly from the network. As an HTTP server, it is commonly deployed as an internet-facing service to host web content, making its request-handling interface naturally reachable from the internet.

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

A directory traversal flaw exists in the nostromo nhttpd web server. This weakness allows unauthorized individuals to execute malicious code on affected systems. Such an event could lead to a compromise of business operations and data integrity.

  • Vulnerable web server component
  • Flaw allows code execution
  • Impact: Business data compromise

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

A directory traversal vulnerability in the nostromo nhttpd web server allows an attacker to execute arbitrary code remotely. This occurs by sending a specially crafted HTTP request to the affected server. The server's `http_verify` function does not properly sanitize directory path information within the request. This allows an attacker to navigate to unintended directories and potentially overwrite or execute files.

  • External network exposure required.
  • Attacker sends crafted HTTP request.
  • Remote code execution is the result.

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

Directory traversal in nostromo nhttpd allows remote code execution through crafted HTTP requests. This vulnerability affects the http_verify function. Remote attackers can exploit this by sending specially formed HTTP requests.

  • Attacker skill level: Basic
  • Required access or conditions: Network access
  • Business risk or urgency: High

Priority actions

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

The identified vulnerability in nostromo nhttpd allows for remote code execution due to a directory traversal flaw. This could permit an unauthorized attacker to gain control of affected systems by sending a specially crafted HTTP request. The direct impact could involve unauthorized access to and manipulation of sensitive data, disruption of services, and potential compromise of the entire network infrastructure. Given the severity, a swift and organized response is necessary to mitigate risks.

  • Identify nostromo nhttpd instances.
  • Restrict network access to the server.
  • Update the software or remove it.

Frequently asked questions

What is nostromo nhttpd?

Nostromo nhttpd is a simple, fast, and secure HTTP server. It is used to serve web content and can handle connections, CGI scripts, and directory listings. It supports features like chroot, setuid, basic authentication, and SSL.

What type of weakness does CVE-2019-16278 represent?

CVE-2019-16278 represents a Directory Traversal weakness, also known as CWE-22. This type of vulnerability occurs when software does not properly sanitize user input used to construct file or directory paths, allowing an attacker to access or modify files outside of the intended directory.

What are the preconditions for exploiting CVE-2019-16278?

An attacker needs network access to the affected nostromo nhttpd server. The vulnerability is triggered by sending a specially crafted HTTP request, and no user interaction or special privileges are required to exploit it.

Is nostromo nhttpd typically internet-facing or internal?

Nostromo nhttpd, as a web server designed to process HTTP requests, is commonly deployed as an internet-facing service. This makes its request-handling interface accessible from the internet, classifying it as an external exposure [cite:haloSurfaceSignal] type of service.

What are the first steps to address this vulnerability?

To address this vulnerability, first identify all instances of nostromo nhttpd. Then, restrict network access to these servers. Finally, update the software to a non-vulnerable version if available, or remove the software if no fix can be applied.

References