CVE-2013-5912 in Velocity Analytics Vhayu Analytic Server
Summary
by MITRE
VhttpdMgr in Thomson Reuters Velocity Analytics Vhayu Analytic Server 6.94 build 2995 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a URL in the fileName parameter during an importFile action.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/16/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-5912 affects the VhttpdMgr component within Thomson Reuters Velocity Analytics Vhayu Analytic Server version 6.94 build 2995. This represents a critical security flaw that enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on the affected system through a specially crafted URL parameter. The vulnerability specifically manifests during the importFile action when processing the fileName parameter, creating an avenue for malicious exploitation that could compromise the entire analytics server infrastructure.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the importFile functionality of the Vhayu Analytic Server. When the system processes a fileName parameter containing a malicious URL, it fails to properly sanitize or validate the input before attempting to import and execute the specified file. This lack of proper input validation creates a classic path traversal and code execution vulnerability, where attacker-controlled input can be directly interpreted and executed by the server's processing engine. The flaw operates at the application layer and demonstrates a clear failure in the principle of least privilege and input sanitization practices.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected analytics server. Once exploited, adversaries can install backdoors, modify or delete critical data, access sensitive analytical information, and potentially use the compromised server as a launching point for further attacks within the organization's network. Given that this is a Thomson Reuters analytics platform, the compromised system could contain highly sensitive financial data, proprietary trading algorithms, and strategic business intelligence that could result in significant financial loss and regulatory compliance violations.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-20, which describes improper input validation, and represents a variant of the broader category of code injection flaws that are commonly exploited in enterprise applications. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques such as T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter and T1078 for valid accounts, as attackers could leverage the executed code to establish persistence and maintain access. Organizations should consider implementing network segmentation, firewall rules to restrict access to the analytics server, and immediate patching of the affected software. Additionally, monitoring for unusual file import activities and implementing web application firewalls can provide defense-in-depth measures against exploitation attempts. The vulnerability underscores the importance of regular security assessments and patch management procedures to prevent such critical flaws from being exploited in production environments.