CVE-2013-3304 in Equallogic Ps4000
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in Dell EqualLogic PS4000 with firmware 6.0 allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the default URI.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/10/2024
The CVE-2013-3304 vulnerability represents a critical directory traversal flaw discovered in Dell EqualLogic PS4000 storage arrays running firmware version 6.0. This vulnerability exists within the web-based management interface of the storage system, specifically affecting the default URI handling mechanism. The flaw enables remote attackers to access arbitrary files on the system by exploiting improper input validation in the URI processing logic. The vulnerability stems from the system's failure to adequately sanitize user-supplied input, allowing malicious actors to manipulate file paths through directory traversal sequences.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the storage array's web interface processes URI requests containing double dot sequences. When an attacker crafts a malicious request with .. (dot dot) characters in the URI path, the system fails to properly validate or normalize the input, permitting access to files outside the intended directory structure. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-22, which specifically addresses directory traversal or path traversal attacks. The flaw essentially allows attackers to bypass normal access controls and retrieve sensitive information from the storage array's file system, potentially including configuration files, user credentials, or other confidential data stored on the device.
The operational impact of CVE-2013-3304 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with potential access to critical system components and data. Storage arrays serve as foundational infrastructure elements in enterprise environments, often containing sensitive corporate data, backup files, and system configuration information. An attacker exploiting this vulnerability could gain access to authentication credentials, system logs, and other administrative information that could facilitate further attacks within the network. The remote nature of this vulnerability means that attackers do not require physical access to the device or network credentials to exploit it, making it particularly dangerous in environments where storage systems are exposed to untrusted networks.
The attack surface for this vulnerability is significant given the widespread deployment of Dell EqualLogic storage arrays in enterprise environments. Organizations using this specific firmware version face potential exposure to unauthorized data access and system compromise. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1213, which covers data from information repositories, as it enables attackers to extract sensitive information from storage systems. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability represents a classic example of insufficient input validation in web applications, a pattern that frequently appears in enterprise storage and networking equipment. Organizations should prioritize immediate firmware updates to address this vulnerability, as the exposure window remains significant for systems running the affected firmware version. The remediation process involves applying Dell's official security patches or upgrading to firmware versions that properly implement input validation and path normalization for URI processing.