CVE-2013-6141 in Monitor
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in op5 Monitor before 6.1.3 allows attackers to read arbitrary files via unknown vectors related to lack of authorization.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/06/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-6141 represents a critical authorization flaw within op5 Monitor versions prior to 6.1.3, exposing systems to unauthorized file access attacks. This unspecified weakness stems from inadequate access controls that permit malicious actors to bypass authentication mechanisms and retrieve sensitive files from the system. The vulnerability exists within the monitoring platform's file access handling processes, where proper authorization checks are either absent or improperly implemented, creating a pathway for attackers to exploit the system's file reading capabilities without legitimate credentials.
The technical nature of this flaw aligns with CWE-284, which describes improper access control vulnerabilities where systems fail to properly enforce access restrictions. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability through unspecified vectors that likely involve manipulation of file paths, query parameters, or API endpoints that should normally require authentication and authorization. The lack of proper authorization controls means that an attacker can potentially access configuration files, log data, system credentials, or other sensitive information that should remain protected within the monitoring environment. This vulnerability represents a classic privilege escalation issue where unauthorized users can gain access to resources they should not be permitted to read.
The operational impact of CVE-2013-6141 extends beyond simple data theft, as compromised monitoring systems can provide attackers with comprehensive insights into network infrastructure, service configurations, and operational procedures. In enterprise environments where op5 Monitor is used for critical infrastructure monitoring, this vulnerability could enable attackers to discover system layouts, identify vulnerable services, and potentially escalate their attacks to other network segments. The exposure of monitoring data can also compromise the integrity of the entire security monitoring framework, as attackers might discover how security events are being logged and processed, allowing them to evade detection or manipulate alerts.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including updating to op5 Monitor version 6.1.3 or later, which contains the necessary authorization fixes. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to restrict access to monitoring systems, while additional authentication layers should be deployed to protect against unauthorized access attempts. Regular security audits should verify that proper access controls are in place and that file access permissions are correctly configured. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of the principle of least privilege in security architectures, where systems should only provide access to resources necessary for their specific functions. This issue demonstrates how monitoring platforms, while designed to enhance security, can become attack vectors when proper access controls are not implemented. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under privilege escalation and credential access tactics, where attackers can leverage insufficient authorization controls to gain deeper system access. Organizations should also consider implementing file integrity monitoring solutions to detect unauthorized file access attempts and maintain audit logs that can help identify exploitation attempts. The vulnerability underscores the critical need for comprehensive security testing of monitoring platforms and regular vulnerability assessments to ensure that security controls remain effective against evolving threats.