CVE-2011-4135 in FlexNet Publisher
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple directory traversal vulnerabilities in lmgrd in Flexera FlexNet Publisher 11.10 (aka FlexNet License Server Manager) allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via vectors related to save, rename, and load operations on log files. NOTE: this might overlap CVE-2011-1389.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/29/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-4135 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the lmgrd component of Flexera FlexNet Publisher 11.10, commonly known as the FlexNet License Server Manager. This issue affects the license management infrastructure that organizations rely upon to control software usage and enforce licensing agreements. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and improper handling of file operations within the license server's logging mechanisms, creating pathways for malicious actors to manipulate the system's file structure through carefully crafted requests.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through specific operations involving save, rename, and load functions within the log file handling subsystem. Attackers can manipulate these operations to traverse directory structures and potentially execute arbitrary code on the affected system. The flaw exists because the application fails to properly sanitize user-supplied input before processing file operations, allowing attackers to inject malicious path sequences that bypass normal access controls. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-22 category for Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory, which is a well-documented weakness in software security that enables unauthorized access to system resources.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise. Remote attackers with access to the license server can potentially gain unauthorized access to sensitive system files, modify critical configuration data, or even install malicious software that persists across system reboots. The vulnerability affects organizations that rely on FlexNet licensing solutions, potentially exposing them to data breaches, unauthorized software usage, and disruption of legitimate licensing operations. This risk is particularly severe in enterprise environments where license servers manage critical software assets across multiple departments and locations.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including network segmentation to restrict access to the FlexNet license server, applying available vendor patches, and implementing strict access controls for the license server management interfaces. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices and input validation, particularly for applications handling sensitive system operations. From an att&ck framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving privilege escalation and persistence, as attackers could leverage the arbitrary code execution capability to establish long-term access to affected systems. Regular security assessments and monitoring of license server activities should be implemented to detect potential exploitation attempts and maintain overall system integrity.