External risk intelligence

DataDiodeX Path Traversal Vulnerability

CVE advisorySeverity: CRITICAL (CVSS 10.0)

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.

Path Traversal

Dataflowx Datadiodex

3.0.0 to before 3.1.7

Halo Surface Signal: 5 out of 5 — more likely to be public-facing.

External exposure likelihood

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.

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.

Supplementary metadata

CVSS vector

Validate whether this threat affects your internet-facing exposure.

Halo Threat Intelligence helps prioritize remediation with Halo Surface Signal and H/A/L/O context. Start exposure validation with a free external attack surface trial.

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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

Nicholas Merritt is VP of Security Solutions at Halo Security. With more than 25 years across application security, vulnerability prioritization, and offensive security, he helps teams translate threat data into practical exposure validation and remediation focus. He authors Halo Threat Intelligence CVE advisories using Halo Surface Signal and H/A/L/O context to prioritize internet-facing risk.