CVE-2005-2554 in epolicy orchestrator
Summary
by MITRE
the web server for network associates epolicy orchestrator agent 3.5.0 (patch 3) uses insecure permissions for the "common framework\db" folder which allows local users to read arbitrary files by creating a subfolder in the epo agent web root directory.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/30/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2005-2554 affects the Network Associates ePolicy Orchestrator agent version 3.5.0 with patch 3, specifically targeting the web server component that handles the common framework database directory. This issue represents a critical access control flaw that stems from improper file system permissions within the agent's web root structure. The vulnerability exists because the "common framework\db" folder lacks appropriate security restrictions, creating an exploitable condition that allows local users to gain unauthorized access to sensitive data within the system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the manipulation of directory permissions and file system access controls within the ePolicy Orchestrator agent's web server environment. Attackers can exploit this weakness by creating subfolders within the epo agent web root directory, which then allows them to traverse and read arbitrary files from the system. This represents a classic privilege escalation vulnerability where local users can leverage insufficient access controls to obtain information that should remain restricted. The flaw operates at the operating system level, exploiting the underlying file system permissions rather than targeting application-specific vulnerabilities.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with potential access to sensitive configuration files, database contents, and other system resources that could be used for further exploitation. Local users who exploit this vulnerability can potentially access administrative credentials, system configurations, and other confidential data that resides within the database folder structure. This access could enable attackers to escalate privileges, conduct reconnaissance for additional vulnerabilities, or extract sensitive information that could compromise the overall security posture of the affected system.
Security professionals should address this vulnerability through immediate implementation of proper file system permissions for the affected directories, ensuring that the "common framework\db" folder has appropriate access controls that prevent unauthorized local users from creating subfolders that could lead to file disclosure. The remediation process should include applying the latest patches from Network Associates, if available, and implementing proper access control lists that restrict directory creation and file access permissions. Organizations should also conduct comprehensive security audits to identify similar permission issues across their entire infrastructure, as this vulnerability type falls under the broader category of insecure permissions that are frequently exploited in enterprise environments.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-276, which specifically addresses incorrect permissions for critical resources, and represents a fundamental failure in the principle of least privilege that is essential for maintaining system security. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving privilege escalation and credential access, as local users can exploit the insecure permissions to gain access to system resources that should remain protected. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper access control implementation and highlights how seemingly simple permission misconfigurations can create significant security risks in enterprise security management systems.
Organizations should implement comprehensive monitoring solutions to detect unauthorized directory creation activities and file access patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments should include verification of file system permissions across all critical directories, particularly those associated with web server components and database systems. The remediation process should also involve establishing security baseline configurations that prevent the occurrence of similar permission issues in the future, ensuring that system administrators properly configure access controls during the initial deployment of security management systems.