CVE-2014-1649 in Workspace Streaming
Summary
by MITRE
The server in Symantec Workspace Streaming (SWS) before 7.5.0.749 allows remote attackers to access files and functionality by sending a crafted XMLRPC request over HTTPS.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/25/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-1649 affects Symantec Workspace Streaming software version 7.5.0.749 and earlier, representing a critical security flaw that enables remote attackers to gain unauthorized access to sensitive files and system functionality. This issue stems from inadequate input validation within the server component of the software, specifically when processing XMLRPC requests transmitted over HTTPS connections. The vulnerability exposes the system to potential exploitation through crafted malicious requests that bypass normal access controls and authentication mechanisms.
The technical flaw manifests in the server's insufficient validation of XMLRPC requests, allowing attackers to manipulate the parsing process and execute unauthorized operations. This weakness falls under the category of improper input validation as classified by CWE-20, where the system fails to properly validate or sanitize input received from external sources. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates over HTTPS, which typically provides encryption and secure communication channels, yet the underlying implementation fails to properly enforce access controls and authorization checks during request processing.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data exposure, as it enables attackers to access functionality that should be restricted to authorized users only. Remote attackers can potentially retrieve sensitive files, execute arbitrary commands, and manipulate system resources without proper authentication. This represents a significant privilege escalation vulnerability that undermines the security model of the Symantec Workspace Streaming platform. The attack vector is particularly concerning as it requires no local access or prior authentication, making it easily exploitable from any network location.
From a threat modeling perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK techniques related to remote code execution and privilege escalation, specifically covering the T1210 and T1075 tactics. The vulnerability creates a persistent backdoor for attackers to maintain access to the system while potentially escalating their privileges to gain administrative control. Organizations utilizing Symantec Workspace Streaming software are at risk of data breaches, system compromise, and potential lateral movement within their network infrastructure. The vulnerability's exposure through HTTPS also makes it particularly challenging to detect through traditional network monitoring as the traffic appears legitimate.
Mitigation strategies should include immediate deployment of Symantec's official patch releases addressing this vulnerability, specifically version 7.5.0.749 or later. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to restrict access to the affected service, limiting exposure to trusted networks only. Additionally, organizations should implement comprehensive monitoring for unusual XMLRPC request patterns and establish robust access control policies to prevent unauthorized access attempts. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar issues in other enterprise software components, ensuring comprehensive protection against similar exploitation vectors.