CVE-2014-1861 in Jetro COCKPIT Secure Browsing
Summary
by MITRE
The client in Jetro COCKPIT Secure Browsing (JCSB) 4.3.1 and 4.3.3 does not validate the FileName element in an RDP_FILE_TRANSFER document, which allows remote JCSB servers to execute arbitrary programs by providing a .EXE extension.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/22/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-1861 resides within the Jetro COCKPIT Secure Browsing (JCSB) client software version 4.3.1 and 4.3.3, representing a critical security flaw in the handling of remote desktop protocol file transfers. This vulnerability specifically targets the client-side validation mechanisms that are responsible for processing RDP_FILE_TRANSFER documents, which are used to manage file operations between remote servers and client systems. The flaw manifests in the client's failure to properly validate the FileName element within these documents, creating an exploitable condition that allows malicious remote servers to execute arbitrary programs on the client machine. This represents a significant bypass of the intended security boundaries that separate trusted server environments from client endpoints in secure browsing solutions.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-20, which describes improper input validation, specifically in the context of file name handling within network protocols. The flaw enables a remote attacker to manipulate the FileName element in RDP_FILE_TRANSFER documents to include executable file extensions such as .EXE, thereby tricking the client into executing malicious code without proper validation. This vulnerability operates at the intersection of protocol handling and file execution controls, where the client's trust model is compromised by the lack of proper sanitization of file name elements. The attack vector leverages the legitimate file transfer functionality of the RDP protocol implementation within the JCSB client, making it particularly dangerous as it can be executed through normal operational procedures that users would expect to be safe.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it represents a complete breakdown in the security architecture of the JCSB client. Remote JCSB servers that have compromised access to the network can leverage this flaw to execute arbitrary programs with the privileges of the user running the client software, potentially leading to full system compromise. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where secure browsing solutions are deployed to isolate sensitive operations from potentially malicious external sources. The attack requires minimal sophistication from the threat actor, as it exploits the inherent trust relationship between client and server within the RDP file transfer protocol implementation, making it a high-value target for adversaries seeking persistent access to secure browsing environments. This vulnerability directly impacts the integrity and confidentiality of data processed through the secure browsing infrastructure, as it allows attackers to bypass the intended security controls.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-1861 should focus on immediate patching of affected JCSB client versions, with particular attention to the validation mechanisms governing FileName elements in RDP_FILE_TRANSFER documents. Organizations should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of JCSB clients to untrusted remote servers, while also considering the deployment of additional security monitoring to detect anomalous file transfer activities. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation in security-critical applications and reinforces the need for defense-in-depth approaches that do not rely solely on trust relationships within protocol implementations. Security teams should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict execution of arbitrary programs based on file signatures and digital certificates, providing an additional layer of protection against similar vulnerabilities in file handling components. The incident underscores the necessity for regular security assessments of protocol implementations and the critical importance of validating all elements of network communications before executing any operations on client systems.