CVE-2011-2750 in File Reporter
Summary
by MITRE
NFRAgent.exe in Novell File Reporter 1.0.4.2 and earlier allows remote attackers to delete arbitrary files via a full pathname in an SRS OPERATION 4 CMD 5 request to /FSF/CMD.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/23/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-2750 resides within the NFRAgent.exe component of Novell File Reporter version 1.0.4.2 and earlier systems, presenting a critical security flaw that enables remote attackers to execute unauthorized file deletion operations. This vulnerability specifically affects the File System Foundation (FSF) component that handles command processing through a structured request system, where the SRS OPERATION 4 CMD 5 request mechanism fails to properly validate or sanitize input parameters. The flaw exists in the path handling logic where full pathname specifications are accepted without adequate authorization checks or sanitization measures, creating a direct path traversal vulnerability that allows attackers to target any file accessible to the service account running NFRAgent.exe.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits a weakness in the request parsing mechanism within the FSF component of Novell File Reporter, where the SRS protocol accepts command parameters that include complete file paths without proper validation. When an attacker crafts a malicious SRS OPERATION 4 CMD 5 request containing a full pathname, the system processes this request without verifying whether the specified file path is within acceptable boundaries or if the requesting entity has proper authorization to delete the target file. This represents a classic case of inadequate input validation and privilege escalation, where the system fails to implement proper access control checks before executing destructive operations. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows remote exploitation without requiring authentication, as the system processes commands through an exposed network interface that accepts unauthenticated requests.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-2750 extends beyond simple file deletion, as it provides attackers with the ability to compromise entire file systems through strategic deletion of critical system files, configuration files, or user data. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, and demonstrates how insufficient input validation can lead to arbitrary file operations. Attackers could potentially target system-critical files such as executables, configuration files, or even user data files, leading to complete system compromise or data loss. The vulnerability also maps to ATT&CK technique T1070.004, which covers file deletion through manipulation of system files, and T1059.001, representing command and scripting interpreter usage for system manipulation. The remote nature of this vulnerability means that attackers can exploit it from any network location without requiring physical access to the system, making it particularly dangerous for enterprise environments where such systems may be exposed to external networks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-2750 should focus on immediate patching of affected Novell File Reporter installations to version 1.0.5 or later, which contains the necessary input validation fixes. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to restrict access to the affected FSF component, particularly blocking access to the specific endpoint handling SRS requests. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and privilege separation ensures that the NFRAgent.exe process runs with minimal required permissions, reducing the potential damage from successful exploitation. System administrators should also monitor for unusual file deletion patterns and implement proper logging of all file operations to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of input validation and proper privilege management in security-critical components, as highlighted by industry best practices in secure coding standards and the principle of least privilege. Organizations should also consider implementing network-based intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious SRS protocol traffic patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts.