CVE-2014-2626 in Network Virtualization
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in the toServerObject function in HP Network Virtualization 8.6 (aka Shunra Network Virtualization) allows remote attackers to create files, and consequently execute arbitrary code, via crafted input, aka ZDI-CAN-2024.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/26/2022
The CVE-2014-2626 vulnerability represents a critical directory traversal flaw within HP Network Virtualization 8.6, also known as Shunra Network Virtualization, which exposes the system to remote code execution risks. This vulnerability specifically affects the toServerObject function, a core component responsible for processing server object data within the network virtualization framework. The flaw enables attackers to manipulate file creation operations through carefully crafted input sequences that bypass normal file system access controls. The vulnerability operates by exploiting insufficient input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize user-supplied data before processing it within the file system context. Attackers can leverage this weakness to traverse directory structures and create arbitrary files in sensitive system locations, ultimately enabling privilege escalation and full system compromise.
The technical implementation of this directory traversal vulnerability stems from inadequate path validation within the toServerObject function, which processes network virtualization data objects. When the function receives user input containing directory traversal sequences such as "../" or similar path manipulation patterns, it fails to properly validate or sanitize these inputs before using them in file system operations. This allows attackers to specify arbitrary file paths that can bypass normal security boundaries and access restricted directories. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which categorizes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The flaw essentially creates a condition where user-controllable input directly influences file system operations without proper authorization checks, making it particularly dangerous for network virtualization environments where system integrity is paramount.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-2626 extends beyond simple file creation capabilities to encompass full remote code execution privileges within the affected system. Attackers who successfully exploit this vulnerability can create malicious files in system directories, potentially including executable scripts or binaries that can be triggered by the network virtualization service. This capability enables attackers to establish persistent access, escalate privileges, and ultimately take complete control of the affected system. The vulnerability affects organizations using HP Network Virtualization 8.6 in production environments, where the system typically handles critical network traffic virtualization tasks and may operate with elevated privileges. Network virtualization platforms often serve as central points of control for enterprise networking infrastructure, making successful exploitation particularly damaging as it can compromise entire network segments and potentially provide lateral movement capabilities to other connected systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-2626 should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems with the vendor-provided security updates, as HP released patches specifically addressing this directory traversal vulnerability. Organizations should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of vulnerable systems to untrusted networks, particularly in environments where network virtualization services are exposed to external threats. Input validation measures should be strengthened at all application layers to prevent directory traversal sequences from being processed, including the implementation of proper path normalization and validation routines. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous file creation patterns and unusual access to sensitive system directories. Additionally, the principle of least privilege should be enforced by running network virtualization services with minimal required permissions and avoiding execution with administrative privileges. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts targeting this specific vulnerability, while maintaining regular vulnerability assessments to identify similar weaknesses in other network infrastructure components. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1059 for command and scripting interpreter and T1078 for valid accounts, as exploitation typically involves using legitimate system access to execute malicious code through crafted file creation operations.