CVE-2014-125113 in KACE K1000 Systems Management Appliance
Summary
by MITRE • 08/05/2025
An unrestricted file upload vulnerability exists in Dell (acquired by Quest) KACE K1000 System Management Appliance version 5.0 - 5.3, 5.4 prior to 5.4.76849, and 5.5 prior to 5.5.90547 in the download_agent.php endpoint. An attacker can upload arbitrary PHP files to a temporary web-accessible directory, which are later executed through inclusion in backend code that loads files under attacker-controlled paths.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/05/2025
The vulnerability CVE-2014-125113 represents a critical unrestricted file upload flaw in Dell KACE K1000 System Management Appliance, a widely deployed IT management solution that was subsequently acquired by Quest Software. This vulnerability affects versions ranging from 5.0 through 5.3, 5.4 prior to 5.4.76849, and 5.5 prior to 5.5.90547, creating a significant security risk for organizations relying on this system management platform. The flaw specifically resides in the download_agent.php endpoint, which serves as a critical interface for system agent downloads and management operations. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly restrict file types allowed for upload operations, enabling attackers to bypass security controls that should prevent execution of potentially malicious code.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a well-defined attack pattern that aligns with CWE-434, which specifically addresses unrestricted file upload conditions. Attackers can leverage this weakness to upload arbitrary PHP files to a temporary web-accessible directory, effectively creating a persistent backdoor within the system. The uploaded files are subsequently executed through inclusion in backend code that loads files under attacker-controlled paths, creating a direct code execution vector. This process typically involves uploading a malicious PHP payload that can establish reverse shells, exfiltrate data, or perform other malicious activities. The vulnerability's impact is amplified because the uploaded files are placed in web-accessible directories, eliminating the need for additional privilege escalation or path traversal techniques. The backend code's behavior of loading files from attacker-controlled paths creates a classic include vulnerability scenario where the system inadvertently executes malicious code provided by an unauthorized party.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple code execution, creating a comprehensive compromise scenario that can affect entire network infrastructures. Organizations using affected KACE appliances face potential data breaches, system compromise, and unauthorized access to sensitive IT management functions. The vulnerability enables attackers to gain persistent access to the management appliance, potentially allowing them to manipulate system configurations, access inventory data, and control agent deployments across the managed network. This represents a severe risk for enterprises that rely on centralized IT management systems, as compromise of the K1000 appliance can lead to widespread operational disruption and security breaches. The vulnerability's presence in multiple version streams also means that organizations across different deployment scenarios face identical risks, making it a particularly concerning issue for security teams managing diverse IT environments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-125113 should prioritize immediate patch application to the affected versions, with organizations upgrading to the latest available releases that contain the necessary security fixes. Network segmentation and firewall rules can provide temporary protection by restricting access to the download_agent.php endpoint, though this approach does not address the root cause. Input validation and file type restriction mechanisms should be implemented at multiple layers, including web application firewalls and server-side validation controls. Organizations should also conduct comprehensive security assessments of their KACE appliance deployments to identify any unauthorized uploads that may have occurred during the vulnerability window. The remediation process should include monitoring for suspicious file uploads and implementing proper access controls to limit who can upload files to the system. Additionally, organizations should review their incident response procedures to ensure they can effectively detect and respond to potential exploitation attempts, as the vulnerability's nature makes it particularly challenging to detect through traditional security monitoring approaches. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper file upload validation and the potential consequences of inadequate input sanitization in enterprise management systems.