CVE-2023-47171 is a vulnerability classified under CWE-73 (External Control of File Name or Path) affecting WWBN's AVideo software, specifically version 11.6 and the development master commit 15fed957fb. The flaw exists in the aVideoEncoder.json.php script's chunkFile path handling, where insufficient validation of user-supplied input allows an attacker to manipulate the file path parameter in HTTP requests. This manipulation enables arbitrary file read operations on the server, potentially exposing sensitive information such as configuration files, credentials, or other private data stored on the host. The vulnerability does not require user interaction but does require some level of privileges (PR:L), indicating that the attacker must have limited access to the system or application. The CVSS 3.1 score of 6.5 reflects a medium severity, with a high impact on confidentiality but no impact on integrity or availability. Currently, there are no known exploits in the wild, and no official patches have been linked yet, though it is expected that WWBN will release fixes. The vulnerability highlights the risks of improper input validation in web applications handling file paths, especially in media streaming platforms where user-generated content and file chunking are common. Organizations using AVideo should prioritize assessing their exposure and applying mitigations promptly.

For European organizations, the primary impact of CVE-2023-47171 is the potential unauthorized disclosure of sensitive information stored on servers running vulnerable versions of AVideo. This could include internal configuration files, user data, or proprietary content, leading to privacy violations, intellectual property theft, or compliance breaches under regulations such as GDPR. Media companies, educational institutions, and enterprises relying on AVideo for video streaming or hosting are at risk of data leakage. Although the vulnerability does not allow modification or disruption of services, the confidentiality breach alone can damage reputation and trust. Attackers with limited privileges could escalate their knowledge of the environment, facilitating further attacks. The lack of known exploits reduces immediate risk, but the ease of exploitation and medium severity score suggest that proactive mitigation is necessary to prevent future incidents.

To mitigate CVE-2023-47171, organizations should implement strict input validation and sanitization on all file path parameters, ensuring that user-supplied data cannot traverse directories or access unauthorized files. Employ whitelisting of allowed file names or directories and use secure coding practices to handle file operations safely. Monitor and restrict access privileges to the AVideo application, minimizing the number of users with permissions that could exploit this vulnerability. Network-level controls such as web application firewalls (WAFs) can be configured to detect and block suspicious path traversal attempts. Organizations should track WWBN's official channels for patches or updates and apply them promptly once released. Additionally, conducting regular security audits and penetration testing focused on file handling functionalities can help identify similar vulnerabilities. Backup sensitive data and maintain incident response plans to address potential data disclosures.