CVE-2005-0541 in AlterPath Manager
Summary
by MITRE
consoleConnect.jsp in Cyclades AlterPath Manager (APM) Console Server 1.2.1 allows remote attackers to connect to arbitrary consoles by modifying the consolename parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/23/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-0541 affects the Cyclades AlterPath Manager (APM) Console Server version 1.2.1, specifically within the consoleConnect.jsp component. This represents a critical access control flaw that enables remote attackers to bypass authentication mechanisms and establish connections to unauthorized console sessions. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and parameter handling within the web application's console connection interface, creating an arbitrary file access condition that can be exploited from remote locations without proper authorization.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability resides in the improper sanitization of the consolename parameter within the consoleConnect.jsp script. When an attacker manipulates this parameter, the application fails to validate or restrict the console names being accessed, allowing direct connection to any available console resource within the system. This flaw falls under the category of insecure direct object reference as defined by CWE-639, where the application provides direct access to objects based on user-supplied input without proper authorization checks. The vulnerability essentially creates a path traversal condition where the application accepts any console identifier without verifying whether the attacker has legitimate access rights to that specific console resource.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a severe security risk to organizations utilizing Cyclades APM Console Server 1.2.1, as it allows unauthorized remote access to potentially sensitive console sessions. Attackers could exploit this weakness to gain access to system management interfaces, execute commands on target systems, or obtain confidential information from console sessions. The impact extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it could potentially enable privilege escalation, data exfiltration, or system compromise depending on the console resources being accessed. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires no authentication credentials to exploit, making it an attractive target for automated attacks and reconnaissance activities.
The exploitation of this vulnerability aligns with several tactics outlined in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly those related to initial access and privilege escalation. Attackers could leverage this weakness as part of a broader attack chain to establish persistent access to network infrastructure. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers can target affected systems from outside the network perimeter, potentially bypassing traditional network security controls. Organizations should consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit the attack surface, while also ensuring that all web applications undergo proper security testing including input validation and access control verification. The flaw demonstrates the importance of proper parameter validation and the need for robust authentication mechanisms in web-based management interfaces.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-0541 should include immediate patching of the affected Cyclades APM Console Server version, implementation of proper input validation for all user-supplied parameters, and enforcement of strict access controls for console resources. Organizations should also consider deploying web application firewalls to detect and block malicious parameter manipulation attempts, while implementing monitoring and logging mechanisms to detect unauthorized console access attempts. The vulnerability highlights the necessity of regular security assessments and vulnerability management processes to identify and remediate similar flaws in legacy systems. Additionally, implementing principle of least privilege access controls and regular security updates for all network management tools can significantly reduce the risk of exploitation.