CVE-2001-0483 in Raptor Firewall
Summary
by MITRE
Configuration error in Axent Raptor Firewall 6.5 allows remote attackers to use the firewall as a proxy to access internal web resources when the http.noproxy Rule is not set.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/08/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2001-0483 represents a critical misconfiguration issue within the Axent Raptor Firewall version 6.5 that fundamentally undermines the security posture of networks relying on this product. This configuration error creates an unintended proxy functionality that allows remote attackers to bypass firewall protections and directly access internal web resources that should remain isolated from external networks. The flaw specifically manifests when the http.noproxy Rule is not properly configured, leaving the firewall in a state where it inadvertently acts as an open proxy server. This misconfiguration creates a dangerous situation where the firewall's primary security function is subverted, transforming it from a protective barrier into a potential attack vector that exposes internal systems to external threats.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from the firewall's failure to properly enforce its intended network segmentation policies when specific proxy rules are omitted from the configuration. When the http.noproxy Rule is absent, the firewall's HTTP handling mechanism defaults to a permissive mode that allows external requests to be forwarded through the device to internal network resources. This behavior violates fundamental network security principles and creates a pathway for attackers to leverage the firewall as an intermediary for accessing internal web servers, databases, or other sensitive resources that would normally be protected by the firewall's access controls. The vulnerability operates at the application layer of the network stack, specifically affecting HTTP protocol handling and proxy functionality within the firewall's configuration management system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple network access issues, as it provides attackers with a sophisticated method for conducting reconnaissance and launching further attacks against internal systems. Remote attackers can exploit this vulnerability to access internal web applications, potentially discovering sensitive data, system configurations, or other resources that should remain protected within the internal network. The attack surface expands significantly because the firewall itself becomes an entry point for external parties to probe internal network structures, identify running services, and potentially escalate privileges or conduct man-in-the-middle attacks. This vulnerability directly violates the principle of least privilege and network segmentation, allowing unauthorized access to resources that should be restricted to internal users only.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately implement configuration hardening measures to address the specific misconfiguration that enables proxy functionality. The primary mitigation involves ensuring that the http.noproxy Rule is properly configured to explicitly define which internal resources should be accessible through the firewall's proxy functionality. Security teams should also consider implementing comprehensive network monitoring to detect unusual proxy traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, regular security audits of firewall configurations should be conducted to identify similar misconfigurations that could create analogous security weaknesses. This vulnerability highlights the critical importance of proper firewall configuration management and demonstrates how seemingly minor configuration omissions can create substantial security risks that compromise entire network infrastructures. The issue aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control, and represents a significant concern for organizations following ATT&CK framework's proxy techniques where adversaries use compromised systems to access internal resources.