CVE-2013-0932 in RSA Archer GRC
Summary
by MITRE
EMC RSA Archer 5.x before GRC 5.3SP1, and Archer Smart Suite Framework 4.x, allows remote authenticated users to bypass intended access restrictions and upload arbitrary files via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/31/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-0932 affects EMC RSA Archer versions 5.x prior to GRC 5.3SP1 and Archer Smart Suite Framework 4.x, representing a critical authorization bypass flaw that enables remote authenticated attackers to circumvent intended access controls. This vulnerability resides within the file upload functionality of the application, where insufficient validation mechanisms allow malicious users to upload arbitrary files to the system. The flaw specifically impacts the authorization framework that should normally restrict file upload operations to authorized users only, creating a pathway for unauthorized file operations that can lead to system compromise.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and access control mechanisms within the application's file handling subsystem. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting specially formatted requests that bypass the normal authorization checks, potentially allowing them to upload malicious files such as web shells, scripts, or other harmful executables. The unspecified vectors suggest that the vulnerability may manifest through multiple attack paths within the application's upload interface, making it particularly challenging to defend against through conventional means. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, and CWE-434, which addresses unrestricted upload of file with dangerous type.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized file uploads, as it provides attackers with a potential foothold for further exploitation within the target environment. Once an attacker successfully uploads malicious files, they can leverage these to execute arbitrary code, establish persistent access, or escalate privileges within the system. The affected systems typically operate in enterprise environments where RSA Archer serves as a governance, risk, and compliance platform, making the compromise of such systems particularly concerning for organizations handling sensitive data. This vulnerability can be exploited by attackers who have already established legitimate user credentials, making it particularly dangerous as it operates within the legitimate user context.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should prioritize immediate remediation through the application of available patches from EMC, specifically targeting the GRC 5.3SP1 update for RSA Archer 5.x installations. The recommended mitigation strategy includes implementing additional file validation controls at multiple layers, including network-level filtering, application-level input sanitization, and robust access control enforcement. Security teams should also consider implementing network segmentation to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation and deploy monitoring solutions to detect anomalous file upload activities. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper authorization controls and input validation as outlined in the ATT&CK framework under the T1190 technique for exploitation of remote services, where attackers leverage application-level vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access to systems. Organizations should also conduct thorough security assessments of their file upload functionalities and implement principle of least privilege access controls to minimize potential damage from similar vulnerabilities.