SunFounder Pironman Dashboard path traversal puts files and uptime at risk

Unauthenticated path‑traversal in SunFounder Pironman Dashboard: attackers can read and delete files — data loss and downtime on a silver platter

What happened (quick recap)

A critical vulnerability has been reported in SunFounder Pironman Dashboard (pm_dashboard) version 1.3.13 and earlier. The dashboard’s log file API endpoints accept a filename parameter that can be manipulated with path‑traversal sequences. An unauthenticated remote attacker can supply such sequences to read and delete arbitrary files on the server.

The vendor advisory classifies the issue as high‑impact: successful exploitation can disclose sensitive information and delete critical system files, creating data loss, potential full system compromise or denial of service. The vulnerability is rated 9.3 (CRITICAL) in the supplied feed.

Why this matters to your business

If you run the affected dashboard — or if your suppliers or customers do — this is not someone playing a prank in the logs. Unauthenticated file read can leak credentials, configuration, API keys, customer data or private certificates. Unauthenticated file deletion can take services offline, corrupt logs and backups, and turn a contained fault into a multi‑day recovery operation that eats budgets and board time.

Organisations using embedded dashboards, IoT management consoles or small‑vendor web apps are particularly exposed because such products often run with excessive privileges, are internet‑facing, or are managed by operations teams who are stretched thin. Regulators, customers and commercial partners will ask awkward questions if systems handling their data are compromised or go offline.

What can go wrong if you ignore things like this

Letting path‑traversal bugs fester is an invitation to a cascade of nasties: quietly exfiltrated credentials reused across services, irrecoverable deletion of configuration that prevents systems restarting, attackers dropping a web shell after reading an exposed SSH key, and prolonged outages while you rebuild and reassure stakeholders.

Think of untested backups as parachutes you’ve never opened: comforting until the moment you jump. If your backups rely on the same server or mount point that an attacker can delete, “we have backups” suddenly stops being reassuring.

How recognised standards help — and where Synergos fits in

An ISO 27001 information security management system would have helped reduce both the likelihood and the impact of this issue by driving risk assessment, secure development expectations for suppliers, and tighter access control around admin APIs.

ISO 22301 business continuity thinking ensures that, even after a deliberate deletion or a ransomware event, you can keep serving customers and paying staff — because continuity plans and recovery procedures have been tested and prioritised.

Practical baseline measures such as Cyber Essentials and IASME reduce exposure to common web flaws; security awareness via usecure helps teams spot risky deployments and misconfigurations; and supplier controls via ISO 9001 or contractual security requirements make it less likely a third‑party dashboard will be a surprise liability.

Immediate actions you can take (today)

Contain the risk

If you run the affected software, disconnect the dashboard from untrusted networks or restrict access to a management network until a vendor patch or mitigations are applied. If you can’t patch right away, block the log file API endpoint at your web application firewall or reverse proxy.

Verify and protect backups

Confirm backups are isolated, tested and restorable. Ensure backup storage cannot be deleted via the same file paths the dashboard can reach.

Hunt for exposure

Search externally for internet‑exposed instances of the dashboard and internally for any systems using the affected versions. Prioritise remediation where the dashboard runs with high privileges or stores keys, certificates or database credentials.

Longer‑term controls that stop this class of bug

• Secure development and code review for path traversal, input validation and canonicalisation — errors here are classic and often preventable.

• Least privilege for web application processes and strict filesystem permissions so even a file‑read bug can’t reach secrets.

• Network segmentation and access control to ensure management APIs are not internet‑facing by default.

• Vulnerability management and patching workflows embedded in your ISO 27001 programme so discoveries trigger prioritised fixes and supplier engagement.

• Regular incident response exercises and a tested BCMS so you recover quickly if deletion or compromise occurs.

Checklist: who to call and what to ask

Call your infrastructure lead and ask whether any instances of the affected dashboard are internet‑facing. Ask suppliers for timelines on patches and mitigations. Verify backups and isolation. If you manage third‑party vendors, demand evidence of secure‑by‑design practices or contractual remediation milestones.

If you need help prioritising technical fixes, running a rapid impact assessment, or standing up a tested recovery plan, Synergos’ advisory services can help with ISO 27001 implementation, supplier assurance and incident readiness — practical help, not vague assurances.

Fixes for vulnerabilities like this are a team sport: code owners, ops, procurement and the board all have roles to play. The only thing worse than a critical vulnerability is pretending it’s someone else’s problem.

Act now: check for affected versions, isolate and contain, verify backups, and push for patches. If you’d like a hand turning those actions into policy and practice, the right standards and a pragmatic partner make the job a lot less terrifying.