CVE-2014-0115 in Storm
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in the log viewer in Apache Storm 0.9.0.1 allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the file parameter to log.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/12/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-0115 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within Apache Storm's log viewer component version 0.9.0.1. This security weakness resides in the application's handling of file parameters within the log viewing functionality, creating an avenue for remote attackers to access unauthorized system files. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the application processes user-supplied file parameters without adequate input validation or sanitization, allowing malicious actors to manipulate path references through the use of directory traversal sequences.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of the file parameter in the log viewer interface, where attackers can append directory traversal sequences such as .. to navigate beyond the intended directory boundaries. This flaw enables unauthorized file access to sensitive system resources, potentially exposing configuration files, log data, or other system artifacts that should remain protected from remote access. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can potentially enable attackers to access critical system information that may facilitate further exploitation. Remote attackers who successfully exploit this vulnerability can retrieve arbitrary files from the server's file system, including but not limited to application configuration files, user credentials, or sensitive log data that could reveal system internals or attack vectors. This access could lead to privilege escalation, system compromise, or data exfiltration depending on the sensitivity of the accessible files.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-0115 should focus on implementing proper input validation and sanitization within the log viewer component. Organizations should immediately upgrade to Apache Storm versions that have addressed this vulnerability, as version 0.9.1 and later releases contain fixes for the directory traversal issue. Additionally, administrators should implement proper access controls and authentication mechanisms for log viewing interfaces, ensuring that only authorized personnel can access sensitive system information. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be configured to limit access to management interfaces, while regular security audits should verify that no unauthorized file access paths exist within the application's file handling logic. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1213, which covers data from information repositories, as it enables unauthorized access to stored data through path traversal methods.