CVE-2014-2610 in Executive Scorecard
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in the Content Acceleration Pack (CAP) web application in HP Executive Scorecard 9.40 and 9.41 allows remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary code by uploading an executable file, aka ZDI-CAN-2117.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/24/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-2610 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the Content Acceleration Pack web application component of HP Executive Scorecard versions 9.40 and 9.41. This security weakness stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize file upload operations, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by authenticated attackers to gain unauthorized system access. The vulnerability specifically affects the web application layer where user-supplied file paths are processed without sufficient validation, allowing malicious actors to manipulate the file system traversal logic and potentially execute arbitrary code on the target server.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an authenticated user with appropriate privileges within the HP Executive Scorecard environment. Attackers can leverage this condition by uploading malicious executable files through the web interface, which are then processed through the vulnerable directory traversal mechanism. The flaw operates at the application level and can be classified under CWE-22, which specifically addresses directory traversal vulnerabilities where user-supplied input is used to construct file paths without proper sanitization. This weakness enables attackers to bypass normal access controls and potentially move beyond the intended directory boundaries, allowing them to access or modify files outside of the application's designated working directory.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it can lead to complete system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive business intelligence data that the Executive Scorecard application typically handles. Organizations utilizing these specific versions of HP Executive Scorecard face significant risk exposure since the vulnerability can be exploited by users who already have authenticated access to the system, making it particularly dangerous in environments where privileged accounts may be compromised or where insider threats exist. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires only authenticated access rather than initial unauthorized entry, making it easier to exploit once an attacker has obtained legitimate credentials.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-2610 should prioritize immediate application of vendor security patches and updates, as HP would have released remediation measures for this specific vulnerability. Organizations should implement comprehensive file upload validation controls that enforce strict filename sanitization, validate file extensions against allowed lists, and employ proper input validation techniques to prevent path manipulation attacks. Network segmentation and access control measures can help limit the potential impact of successful exploitation, while regular security assessments and penetration testing can identify similar vulnerabilities within the broader application ecosystem. Additionally, implementing the principle of least privilege and monitoring for suspicious file upload activities can provide early detection capabilities for potential exploitation attempts, aligning with recommended practices from the mitre ATT&CK framework under the execution and persistence domains.