CVE-2024-58310 is a path traversal vulnerability classified under CWE-22 affecting APC Network Management Card 4, a device used for remote management of uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) and related infrastructure. The flaw allows unauthenticated attackers to manipulate URL parameters containing encoded path traversal sequences (e.g., ../ or its URL-encoded equivalents) to access files outside the intended restricted directory. This improper validation of pathname inputs enables attackers to read sensitive system files such as /etc/passwd, which can disclose user account information and potentially aid in further attacks. The vulnerability requires no authentication or user interaction, making it remotely exploitable over the network with low attack complexity. The CVSS 4.0 base score of 8.7 reflects the high confidentiality impact and ease of exploitation. No patches are currently linked, indicating that remediation may be pending or in progress. The vulnerability affects version 4 of the APC Network Management Card product line, widely deployed in enterprise and industrial environments for power management. While no known exploits have been observed in the wild, the exposure of critical system files poses a significant risk of information disclosure and could serve as a stepping stone for more advanced attacks. The vulnerability’s exploitation could undermine the integrity and availability of managed devices if attackers leverage disclosed information for privilege escalation or lateral movement.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a serious risk to the confidentiality of sensitive system information managed via APC Network Management Cards. Disclosure of files like /etc/passwd can reveal user account details, potentially facilitating unauthorized access or privilege escalation. Since these cards are often integrated into critical infrastructure such as data centers, industrial control systems, and enterprise power management, exploitation could disrupt operational continuity or lead to further compromise of connected systems. The unauthenticated nature of the exploit increases the attack surface, especially for organizations exposing management interfaces to broader networks or the internet. This could result in data breaches, operational downtime, and reputational damage. Additionally, attackers could use the information gained to craft targeted attacks against European entities, including government, energy, and manufacturing sectors that rely heavily on APC hardware for infrastructure resilience.

Organizations should immediately audit their network to identify APC Network Management Card 4 devices and restrict access to these management interfaces using network segmentation and firewall rules, limiting exposure to trusted administrative networks only. Deploy web application firewalls (WAFs) or intrusion prevention systems (IPS) capable of detecting and blocking path traversal attempts, including encoded traversal sequences in HTTP requests. Monitor logs for unusual access patterns or attempts to access sensitive files. Since no official patches are currently linked, maintain close communication with APC for timely updates and apply vendor patches as soon as they become available. Consider implementing multi-factor authentication and VPN access for management interfaces to add layers of security. Regularly update device firmware and software to the latest versions to mitigate known vulnerabilities. Conduct penetration testing focused on management interfaces to identify and remediate similar weaknesses proactively.