CVE-2014-2517 in RSA Archer GRC
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in EMC RSA Archer GRC Platform 5.x before 5.5 SP1 allows remote authenticated users to gain privileges via unknown vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/04/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-2517 affects the EMC RSA Archer GRC Platform version 5.x prior to 5.5 Service Pack 1, representing a critical privilege escalation flaw that enables authenticated remote attackers to elevate their access rights within the system. This vulnerability exists within the platform's access control mechanisms and authentication processes, creating a potential pathway for malicious actors who have already established legitimate credentials to bypass security controls and gain unauthorized elevated privileges.
The technical nature of this vulnerability lies in the platform's insufficient validation of user permissions and access controls during privilege operations. While the exact vector remains unspecified, such privilege escalation vulnerabilities typically stem from improper input validation, insecure direct object references, or flawed authorization logic within the application's core components. The unspecified nature of the attack vector suggests that multiple pathways may exist within the platform's architecture that could be exploited to achieve unauthorized privilege elevation, making the vulnerability particularly concerning from a security assessment perspective.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it fundamentally compromises the integrity of the platform's access control model. Organizations relying on RSA Archer for governance, risk, and compliance management face significant risks when this vulnerability exists, as attackers could potentially access sensitive data, modify critical system configurations, or manipulate compliance reporting processes. The remote nature of the exploit means that attackers do not require physical access to the system, and the authenticated requirement reduces the barrier to entry compared to fully remote exploits, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where legitimate users have varying levels of access.
From a cybersecurity framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-269: Improper Privilege Management, which addresses issues related to insufficient access control and privilege escalation. The flaw also relates to ATT&CK technique T1078: Valid Accounts, as it exploits legitimate authenticated access to achieve unauthorized system access. Organizations should consider this vulnerability in the context of their overall security posture, particularly within the governance and compliance domains where the platform's integrity is paramount. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of regular patch management and security updates in maintaining the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of enterprise security platforms.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigation strategies including applying the vendor-provided patch for RSA Archer GRC Platform 5.5 SP1, conducting comprehensive access control reviews, and implementing additional monitoring for suspicious privilege escalation activities. Security teams should also perform detailed audits of user access rights and establish more robust logging and alerting mechanisms around privilege-related activities. The vulnerability underscores the need for defense-in-depth strategies and emphasizes that even authenticated users should be subject to rigorous access control verification mechanisms to prevent unauthorized privilege escalation attacks.