CVE-2013-6030 in Network Power Avocent Mergepoint Unity 2016
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability on the Emerson Network Power Avocent MergePoint Unity 2016 (aka MPU2016) KVM switch with firmware 1.9.16473 allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via unspecified vectors, as demonstrated by reading the /etc/passwd file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/23/2024
The CVE-2013-6030 vulnerability represents a critical directory traversal flaw in the Emerson Network Power Avocent MergePoint Unity 2016 KVM switch firmware version 1.9.16473. This vulnerability exposes a fundamental security weakness in the device's input validation mechanisms, allowing remote attackers to bypass normal access controls and retrieve arbitrary files from the underlying operating system. The affected device operates as a remote KVM (Keyboard, Video, Mouse) switch that enables administrators to manage multiple servers from a single interface, making it a prime target for attackers seeking unauthorized system access. The vulnerability specifically affects the web-based management interface that handles file operations, where insufficient validation of user-supplied input permits attackers to manipulate file paths and access sensitive system files that should remain protected.
The technical implementation of this directory traversal vulnerability stems from improper input sanitization within the firmware's file handling routines. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious requests that include directory traversal sequences such as "../" or similar path manipulation techniques. These sequences allow the attacker to navigate beyond the intended directory boundaries and access files in restricted locations such as the /etc/passwd file, which contains critical user account information including usernames, user identifiers, and shell assignments. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited without requiring authentication, making it particularly dangerous as it enables attackers to gather sensitive information about the system's user base and potentially identify potential attack vectors. This flaw aligns with CWE-22, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks.
The operational impact of CVE-2013-6030 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with the capability to access sensitive system files that may contain passwords, configuration details, or other critical data. The /etc/passwd file exposure alone can enable attackers to perform user enumeration attacks and potentially identify valid user accounts for further exploitation. In a broader context, this vulnerability represents a significant risk to enterprise environments that rely on KVM switches for remote server management, as it allows attackers to gain unauthorized access to system information that could facilitate more sophisticated attacks. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers do not need physical access to the device or network proximity to exploit the flaw, making it particularly concerning for organizations with distributed or cloud-based infrastructure. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and T1566 (Phishing for Information) as attackers can use the gathered information to plan more targeted attacks.
Organizations utilizing the affected Avocent MergePoint Unity 2016 devices should implement immediate mitigations including firmware updates from Emerson Network Power, which would contain patches addressing the directory traversal vulnerability. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit exposure of the KVM switch management interfaces to trusted networks only, reducing the attack surface available to remote adversaries. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all instances of the affected firmware versions and ensure that proper network monitoring is in place to detect suspicious file access patterns. Regular security audits should include verification of firmware versions and implementation of network-based intrusion detection systems that can identify attempts to exploit directory traversal vulnerabilities. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and the need for security-conscious development practices in embedded systems, where inadequate security controls can result in significant operational and compliance risks. Organizations should also consider implementing security automation tools that can automatically detect and block known exploitation patterns for directory traversal attacks, as well as establish incident response procedures specifically addressing vulnerabilities in remote management interfaces.