CVE-2004-2683 in Cache
Summary
by MITRE
unspecified vulnerability in the %xml.utils.schemaserver class in intersystems cache 5.0 allows attackers to access arbitrary files on a server.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/30/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-2683 resides within the xml.utils.schemaserver class implementation in InterSystems Cache 5.0, representing a critical security flaw that enables unauthorized file access operations. This issue stems from inadequate input validation and access control mechanisms within the schema server component, which processes XML schema validation requests. The vulnerability manifests when the system fails to properly sanitize user-supplied input parameters that are subsequently used to construct file system paths or execute file access operations. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious XML requests that manipulate the schema server to traverse file system directories and access files that should otherwise be restricted or protected. The flaw operates at the application layer and can be classified under CWE-22, which specifically addresses path traversal vulnerabilities, where improper input validation allows attackers to access files outside the intended directory structure. This vulnerability directly impacts the principle of least privilege and can lead to unauthorized data exposure, privilege escalation, and potential system compromise.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires attackers to understand how the xml.utils.schemaserver component processes XML input and maps it to file system operations. The flaw likely occurs when the system accepts XML schema references or file paths without proper validation or sanitization, allowing attackers to inject malicious path components such as ../ sequences or absolute paths that bypass normal access controls. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can enable attackers to access sensitive system files, configuration data, database files, or other protected resources that reside on the same server. This type of attack falls under the ATT&CK technique T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and T1566 (Phishing) when combined with social engineering approaches to gain initial access. The impact extends beyond simple information disclosure as attackers may be able to read system configuration files, application source code, or database credentials that could lead to further exploitation. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic lack of proper input validation and access control implementation that violates fundamental security principles.
The operational impact of CVE-2004-2683 is severe and multifaceted, potentially leading to complete system compromise when combined with other attack vectors. Organizations running InterSystems Cache 5.0 with vulnerable xml.utils.schemaserver implementations face significant risk of data breaches, system infiltration, and unauthorized access to sensitive information. The vulnerability can be exploited remotely through XML schema validation requests, making it particularly dangerous for web-facing applications that utilize this functionality. Attackers can leverage this flaw to access not only application files but also system-level resources that could contain sensitive configuration data, user credentials, or business-critical information. The vulnerability's impact is amplified when considering that InterSystems Cache is often used in healthcare, financial, and enterprise applications where data protection and compliance requirements are stringent. Organizations may face regulatory violations, legal consequences, and reputational damage if this vulnerability is exploited successfully. The flaw represents a significant gap in the application's security architecture and demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and access control mechanisms in preventing unauthorized file system access operations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2004-2683 should focus on immediate patching and implementation of defensive controls. Organizations should prioritize upgrading to InterSystems Cache versions that address this vulnerability, as the vendor likely released security patches or updates to resolve the path traversal issue. When patches are not immediately available, organizations should implement network-level restrictions to limit access to the vulnerable schema server functionality, particularly restricting access to the xml.utils.schemaserver component from untrusted networks. Input validation controls should be strengthened at multiple layers, including XML parser configuration to reject potentially dangerous path sequences and implementing proper access control lists that restrict file system access to authorized operations only. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be configured to limit exposure of the vulnerable application to necessary services only, reducing the attack surface. Additionally, organizations should implement monitoring and logging controls to detect suspicious XML schema validation requests that may indicate exploitation attempts. Security awareness training for developers and administrators should emphasize the importance of input validation and proper access control implementation. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing to ensure that the applied fixes do not break existing functionality while maintaining the security posture. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar issues in other components of the application stack. Organizations should also consider implementing application firewalls or web application firewalls to provide additional protection against path traversal attacks and other similar vulnerabilities.