CVE-2010-4229 in ZENworks Configuration Management
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in an unspecified servlet in the Inventory component in ZENworks Asset Management (ZAM) in Novell ZENworks Configuration Management 10.3 before 10.3.2, and 11, allows remote attackers to overwrite files, and subsequently execute arbitrary code, via directory traversal sequences in a filename field in an upload request.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/22/2018
The CVE-2010-4229 vulnerability represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the Inventory component of Novell ZENworks Asset Management version 10.3 before 10.3.2 and version 11. This vulnerability resides in an unspecified servlet that handles file upload operations, creating a significant security risk for organizations relying on this configuration management solution. The flaw enables remote attackers to manipulate file upload requests through carefully crafted directory traversal sequences in filename fields, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution and system compromise.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as directory traversal or path traversal attacks. The vulnerability exploits the lack of proper input validation and sanitization in the file upload mechanism, allowing attackers to specify arbitrary file paths during upload operations. When the servlet processes these requests, it fails to adequately validate or sanitize the filename parameter, enabling attackers to traverse the directory structure and write files to unintended locations on the server filesystem. This weakness specifically impacts the upload functionality within the Inventory component, where legitimate file handling operations are exploited for malicious purposes.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, potentially allowing attackers to overwrite critical system files, install backdoors, or deploy malicious code that could persist across system reboots. Successful exploitation could result in complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and disruption of business operations. Organizations utilizing ZENworks Configuration Management could face unauthorized access to sensitive inventory data, system integrity violations, and potential lateral movement within their network infrastructure. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers do not require physical access or local credentials to leverage this weakness, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where such systems are often exposed to external networks.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately apply the vendor-provided patches and updates released for ZENworks Asset Management versions 10.3.2 and 11. Additional mitigations include implementing network segmentation to limit access to the affected system, deploying web application firewalls to detect and block malicious upload requests, and conducting thorough security assessments of the affected environment. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques such as T1059.007 (Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell) and T1566 (Phishing) when combined with initial access vectors, and T1078 (Valid Accounts) and T1505.003 (Server Software Component: Web Shell) for maintaining persistence. Security teams should also consider implementing file integrity monitoring solutions and restricting write permissions to critical system directories to reduce the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts.