CVE-2014-2625 in Network Virtualization
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in the storedNtxFile function in HP Network Virtualization 8.6 (aka Shunra Network Virtualization) allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via crafted input, aka ZDI-CAN-2023.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/26/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-2625 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within HP Network Virtualization 8.6, also known as Shunra Network Virtualization. This security weakness exists in the storedNtxFile function, which processes file operations within the network virtualization environment. The flaw enables malicious actors to exploit improper input validation mechanisms that fail to adequately sanitize user-supplied data before processing file system operations. The vulnerability was particularly concerning as it allowed remote attackers to access arbitrary files on the system, potentially exposing sensitive configuration data, network credentials, and other confidential information stored within the virtualized network environment.
The technical exploitation of this directory traversal vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts malicious input that manipulates the storedNtxFile function to traverse directories beyond the intended file access boundaries. This flaw stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization practices within the application's file handling mechanisms. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. Attackers can leverage this weakness by inserting sequences such as "../" or similar path manipulation techniques into input parameters that are then processed by the vulnerable function. The vulnerability affects the core file system operations within the Shunra Network Virtualization platform, potentially allowing unauthorized access to critical system files, configuration databases, and network-related information that should remain protected within the virtualized environment.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-2625 extends beyond simple unauthorized file access, as it compromises the fundamental security posture of network virtualization environments. Organizations utilizing HP Network Virtualization 8.6 face significant risks including potential data exfiltration, system compromise, and disruption of virtualized network services. The vulnerability enables attackers to access not only user files but potentially system-level configuration data that could reveal network topology, virtual machine configurations, and other sensitive operational information. This access could facilitate further exploitation attempts, including privilege escalation, lateral movement within the network, and potential compromise of the entire virtualized infrastructure. The remote nature of the attack means that adversaries do not require physical access or local system credentials to exploit the vulnerability, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where network virtualization platforms often serve as critical infrastructure components.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-2625 should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems with the vendor-provided security updates. Organizations must implement comprehensive input validation measures to prevent path traversal attacks across all file handling functions within their network virtualization platforms. The implementation of proper access controls and privilege separation within the virtualization environment can help limit the impact of successful exploitation attempts. Security teams should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify all instances of the affected software and ensure complete remediation. Additionally, network segmentation and monitoring solutions should be deployed to detect anomalous file access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of following secure coding practices as outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST guidelines for preventing directory traversal attacks. Organizations should also consider implementing network-based intrusion detection systems that can identify and block malicious path traversal attempts targeting known vulnerable applications. Regular security testing and code reviews should be conducted to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in future versions of network virtualization software, ensuring that input validation mechanisms are robust and comprehensive across all application functions.