CVE-2004-2107 in SurfinGate
Summary
by MITRE
Finjan SurfinGate 6.0 and 7.0, when running in proxy mode, does not authenticate FHTTP commands on TCP port 3141, which allows remote attackers to use the finjan-parameter-type header to (1) restart the service, (2) use the getlastmsg command to view log information, or (3) use the online command to force a policy update from the database server.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/06/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-2107 affects Finjan SurfinGate versions 6.0 and 7.0 when operating in proxy mode, presenting a critical security flaw in the authentication mechanisms for FHTTP commands. This issue resides on TCP port 3141 where the system fails to properly validate incoming requests, creating an attack surface that remote adversaries can exploit without proper credentials. The flaw specifically targets the finjan-parameter-type header which serves as the primary means of communication for administrative functions within the proxy environment.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and authentication checks within the SurfinGate proxy architecture. When the system receives FHTTP commands through the designated port, it does not properly verify the authenticity of the requesting entity before executing administrative operations. This authentication bypass allows attackers to manipulate the system through three distinct command categories that directly impact system functionality and information access. The restart service command can cause denial of service conditions, the getlastmsg command provides unauthorized access to sensitive log data, and the online command enables attackers to force policy updates from the database server, potentially compromising the entire security posture.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it creates multiple attack vectors that can be leveraged for progressive compromise. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can first establish persistence through service restarts, then escalate privileges by accessing log files that may contain sensitive information about system operations, network traffic, or user activities. The ability to force policy updates represents the most dangerous aspect of this vulnerability, as it allows attackers to modify security policies remotely and potentially introduce malicious configurations that could persist across system restarts. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-287 which addresses improper authentication issues in security systems, and represents a clear violation of the principle of least privilege in system design.
The attack surface for this vulnerability is particularly concerning given that it operates on a dedicated port that may not be properly protected by network segmentation or firewall rules. Since the vulnerability exists in proxy mode operation, it affects organizations that rely on SurfinGate for web content filtering and security enforcement, potentially allowing attackers to bypass security controls that the system is designed to provide. Network defenders should consider this vulnerability in the context of ATT&CK technique T1071.004 which covers application layer protocol tunneling, as attackers could potentially use this port to establish covert channels or escalate privileges within the network environment.
Organizations using Finjan SurfinGate versions 6.0 and 7.0 should immediately implement network-level mitigations including firewall rules that restrict access to TCP port 3141 to trusted administrative networks only. The most effective long-term solution involves applying the vendor-provided security patches that address the authentication bypass in the FHTTP command processing. Additionally, network administrators should implement monitoring for unusual patterns of FHTTP command usage on this port, particularly focusing on the getlastmsg and online commands which indicate potential exploitation attempts. System hardening measures should include disabling unnecessary proxy modes and implementing strong network segmentation to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper authentication mechanisms in security appliances and serves as a reminder that administrative interfaces must be protected from unauthorized access regardless of their intended operational scope.