CVE-2013-4885 in Nmap
Summary
by MITRE
The http-domino-enum-passwords.nse script in NMap before 6.40, when domino-enum-passwords.idpath is set, allows remote servers to upload "arbitrarily named" files via a crafted FullName parameter in a response, as demonstrated using directory traversal sequences.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/25/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-4885 represents a critical security flaw in the NMap network scanning tool affecting versions prior to 6.40. This issue specifically impacts the http-domino-enum-passwords.nse script which is designed to enumerate passwords on IBM Domino servers through HTTP requests. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the script's handling of the domino-enum-passwords.idpath parameter, creating a path traversal condition that enables remote attackers to manipulate file upload operations on target systems. The flaw operates through a crafted FullName parameter in HTTP responses that contains directory traversal sequences, allowing attackers to specify arbitrary file names for upload operations. This vulnerability directly relates to CWE-22, which describes path traversal or directory traversal vulnerabilities that occur when applications fail to properly sanitize user-supplied input before using it in file operations. The security implications extend beyond simple file manipulation as this represents a privilege escalation vector that could potentially allow attackers to upload malicious payloads to target servers. The attack scenario involves an attacker controlling a remote Domino server that responds with a specially crafted HTTP response containing a FullName parameter with directory traversal sequences such as ../ or ..\.., which the vulnerable NMap script processes without adequate validation. This creates a situation where the script could create or overwrite files in arbitrary locations on the system where NMap is running, potentially leading to unauthorized code execution or system compromise. The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it allows remote code execution capabilities through the file upload mechanism, enabling attackers to deploy backdoors, malware, or other malicious payloads on systems that perform network scanning with vulnerable NMap versions. The vulnerability also demonstrates a clear violation of the principle of least privilege, as legitimate scanning operations could be subverted to perform unauthorized file system operations. From a threat modeling perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, and T1078.002 for valid accounts, as it could potentially be used to establish persistence through file upload operations. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where NMap is commonly used for security assessments and network reconnaissance, as attackers could exploit this weakness during penetration testing or red team exercises to gain unauthorized access to scanning systems. The remediation strategy involves upgrading to NMap version 6.40 or later, which includes proper input validation and sanitization for the domino-enum-passwords.idpath parameter. Additionally, system administrators should implement network segmentation to limit access to scanning tools and ensure that NMap is only executed in trusted environments. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual file creation patterns on systems running NMap, particularly in relation to the specific script that triggers this vulnerability. Organizations should also consider disabling the problematic script unless absolutely necessary for legitimate security assessments, and when usage is required, ensure that the domino-enum-passwords.idpath parameter is properly validated before execution. The vulnerability underscores the importance of proper input validation in network scanning tools and highlights the potential for seemingly benign scanning functionality to become a vector for more serious security incidents. This issue also demonstrates the need for comprehensive security testing of third-party scripts and plugins that extend the functionality of security tools, as these components can introduce unexpected attack vectors into otherwise secure systems. The attack surface is particularly wide given that NMap is widely used across various security and IT operations environments, making this vulnerability potentially exploitable in numerous scenarios where network reconnaissance activities are conducted.