External risk intelligence

DataDiodeX Path Traversal Vulnerability

CVE advisorySeverity: CRITICAL (CVSS 10.0)

CVE-2024-6445

A path traversal vulnerability in DataFlowX Technology's DataDiodeX affects systems from version 3.0.0 up to, but not including, 3.1.7. This flaw allows unauthorized access to restricted directories, potentially exposing sensitive data and system configurations. This poses a significant business risk to affected organi

5Halo Surface Signal

Path Traversal

Dataflowx Datadiodex

3.0.0 to before 3.1.7

External exposure likelihood

Halo Surface Signal score for CVE-2024-6445

Data diodes are specialized hardware security appliances designed to be placed at the edge of networks to enforce unidirectional data flow. By their nature and product role, they are deployed as gateways between security zones, often bridging internal networks to public-facing or external environments, making them inherently internet-facing or edge-reachable infrastructure.

PCI scan relevance

PCI Relevance for CVE-2024-6445

Yes

CVE-2024-6445 — Halo PCI Relevance: Yes. Under typical PCI ASV external scan criteria, this issue may be flagged for scan prioritization.

This vulnerability allows path traversal, which can lead to automatic failure in PCI scans. Remediation is required before attestation.

Scan-prioritization guidance only—not a PCI DSS certification or ASV attestation.

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

A vulnerability has been identified in DataDiodeX, specifically within its DataFlowX Technology. This flaw allows for unauthorized access and manipulation of file paths, potentially exposing sensitive system information and configurations. The issue is present in DataDiodeX versions from 3.0.0 up to, but not including, 3.1.7.

Vulnerable component: DataFlowX Technology DataDiodeX
Core weakness: Path traversal flaw
Main business impact: Unauthorized data access

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

This vulnerability allows an attacker to access restricted directories. An unauthenticated attacker could exploit this by sending a specially crafted request to the affected system. This could result in the attacker gaining unauthorized access to sensitive files and directories within the system, potentially leading to data breaches or further compromise.

Network exposure
Unauthenticated attacker access
Path traversal results in control

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

This vulnerability in DataDiodeX could allow unauthorized access to system files, potentially impacting data integrity and confidentiality. Attackers could leverage this to traverse directories and access sensitive information. The broad impact suggests organizations should prioritize addressing this issue to mitigate significant business risk.

Attackers require no special skill.
No authentication or prior access needed.
High business risk, treat as urgent.

Priority actions

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

A vulnerability has been identified that could allow unauthorized access to systems through a path traversal flaw. This issue affects specific versions of DataDiodeX. The organization must take immediate action to mitigate potential business risks associated with this exposure.

Identify all DataDiodeX assets.
Isolate or reduce exposure.
Apply the vendor fix and validate.
Monitor for related issues.

Frequently asked questions

What is DataDiodeX and what is its purpose in network security?

DataDiodeX is a technology from DataFlowX, primarily integrated into specialized hardware security appliances. These appliances are designed to enforce unidirectional data flow, functioning as crucial gateways between different security zones within a network infrastructure.

What type of weakness does CVE-2024-6445 represent and how does it impact systems?

CVE-2024-6445 is classified as a 'Path Traversal' vulnerability. This weakness allows an attacker to manipulate pathname inputs to access files and directories outside of their intended scope, potentially leading to unauthorized system access.

How could an attacker exploit the CVE-2024-6445 vulnerability in DataDiodeX?

An unauthenticated attacker can exploit this vulnerability by sending a specially crafted request. This can enable them to traverse directories and access sensitive files and system configurations that should be restricted, posing a significant risk of data breaches.

What is the relevance of CVE-2024-6445 given the nature of data diodes?

Data diodes are inherently network-edge devices enforcing unidirectional flow, often connecting internal systems to external environments. This makes them inherently internet-facing or edge-reachable infrastructure, amplifying the relevance and potential impact of vulnerabilities like CVE-2024-6445.

What steps should be taken to address the DataDiodeX vulnerability?

Organizations should identify all DataDiodeX assets, isolate or reduce their exposure if possible, and promptly apply the vendor-provided fix. It is also crucial to validate the successful application of the patch and monitor for any related security incidents.

References

Written by Nicholas Merritt

External-surface CVE analysis and Halo Surface Signal prioritization for Halo Threat Intelligence.