External risk intelligence

ZKTeco BioTime Path Traversal Vulnerability

CVE advisoryKnown Exploit

CVE-2023-38950

A path traversal vulnerability in ZKTeco BioTime's iclock API allows unauthenticated attackers to read arbitrary files. This impacts organizations using the affected software by potentially exposing sensitive data. The business risk involves unauthorized access to system files.

4Halo Surface Signal

Path Traversal

Zkteco Biotime

before 9.0.1

External exposure likelihood

Halo Surface Signal score for CVE-2023-38950

The vulnerability exists in the iclock API of ZKTeco BioTime, a workforce management and time-attendance software. Such applications are commonly deployed as web-based platforms accessible over a network to allow employees and administrators to interact with the system, frequently resulting in internet-facing deployment patterns.

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

ZKTeco BioTime's iclock API has a flaw that allows unauthorized access to files. This vulnerability can affect organizations by exposing sensitive information. The core issue lies in how the API handles file requests.

  • ZKTeco BioTime iclock API
  • Allows unauthorized file reading
  • Potential data exposure risk

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

The iclock API in ZKTeco BioTime software has a path traversal vulnerability. This flaw allows an attacker to access and read any file on the system hosting the software. The vulnerability is exposed via network access and does not require authentication to exploit. Attackers can leverage this by sending a specially crafted payload through the API.

  • Unauthenticated network exposure.
  • Attacker sends crafted payload.
  • Arbitrary file reading occurs.

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

This vulnerability could allow unauthorized individuals to access sensitive files on affected systems. An attacker could exploit this weakness without needing any prior credentials or special access. The potential for attackers to read arbitrary files poses a significant risk to data confidentiality and could disrupt business operations. Given the ease of exploitation and potential impact, this situation warrants prompt attention.

  • Low skill level required for attackers.
  • No authentication needed for access.
  • High business risk and urgency.

Priority actions

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

This vulnerability in the ZKTeco BioTime API allows unauthorized access to read arbitrary files. Organizations using the affected product should prioritize identifying all instances of this software within their environment. This immediate action is crucial for understanding the scope of potential exposure and for implementing appropriate protective measures.

  • Identify all BioTime installations.
  • Restrict network access to the API.
  • Update to the fixed version and verify.
  • Monitor system activity for anomalies.

Frequently asked questions

What is ZKTeco BioTime and its primary function?

ZKTeco BioTime is a software solution designed for workforce management and time-attendance tracking. It enables organizations to monitor employee work hours and maintain attendance records, often accessed through a web interface.

What is CVE-2023-38950 and what type of weakness does it represent?

CVE-2023-38950 is a path traversal vulnerability found in the iclock API of ZKTeco BioTime. This weakness, classified as CWE-22, permits attackers to bypass security restrictions and access files outside of their designated directories by manipulating input paths.

How can an attacker exploit the ZKTeco BioTime vulnerability?

An attacker can exploit the ZKTeco BioTime vulnerability by sending a specially crafted payload to the iclock API. This crafted input allows the attacker to read arbitrary files from the system where the BioTime software is installed without needing any authentication.

What is the significance of CVE-2023-38950 according to the Halo Surface Signal?

The Halo Surface Signal indicates a 'Likely' threat score for CVE-2023-38950 due to its presence in the iclock API of ZKTeco BioTime, a system frequently deployed as a network-accessible, web-based platform. This common deployment pattern increases the potential for internet-facing exposure.

What actions should organizations take to address the ZKTeco BioTime vulnerability?

Organizations should first identify all instances of ZKTeco BioTime within their environment to understand the scope of exposure. Key steps include restricting network access to the affected API, updating the software to the patched version (9.0.120240617.19506 or later), and diligently monitoring system activity for any unusual behavior.

References