CVE-2014-4151 in Open Source Security Information Management
Summary
by MITRE
The av-centerd SOAP service in AlienVault OSSIM before 4.8.0 allows remote attackers to create arbitrary files and execute arbitrary code via a crafted set_file request.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/24/2022
The CVE-2014-4151 vulnerability represents a critical remote code execution flaw in the AlienVault OSSIM platform's av-centerd SOAP service. This vulnerability exists in versions prior to 4.8.0 and specifically targets the service's handling of crafted set_file requests. The flaw allows remote attackers to manipulate the system's file creation mechanisms, enabling them to write arbitrary files to the target system and subsequently execute malicious code with the privileges of the affected service. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the SOAP service interface, which processes file-related operations through the set_file method. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it provides attackers with persistent access to the system and the ability to escalate privileges through the execution of malicious payloads.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the SOAP protocol interface of the av-centerd service, which is designed to manage file operations within the AlienVault environment. When a malicious actor sends a crafted set_file request, the service fails to properly validate the input parameters, allowing attackers to specify arbitrary file paths and content that gets written to the system. This flaw is categorized under CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal attacks. The vulnerability also relates to CWE-74, which covers injection flaws, specifically in how the service handles file creation requests. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires no authentication, making it a remote code execution vulnerability that can be exploited from anywhere on the network.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-4151 extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with persistent access to the affected system. Once successfully exploited, attackers can establish backdoors, install additional malicious software, or use the compromised system as a launch point for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability affects the core security monitoring capabilities of AlienVault OSSIM, potentially allowing attackers to disable security features, modify logs, or gain complete control over the system. This represents a significant threat to organizations relying on OSSIM for network security monitoring, as the compromise of this service undermines the very security posture the platform is designed to maintain. The vulnerability's impact is further amplified by the fact that it affects the service's ability to properly manage file operations, potentially causing denial of service conditions or data corruption.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including updating to AlienVault OSSIM version 4.8.0 or later, which contains patches addressing this vulnerability. Network segmentation should be implemented to limit access to the SOAP service interface, and firewall rules should be configured to restrict access to the affected ports. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by ensuring that the av-centerd service runs with minimal required permissions and that file system access is properly restricted. Additionally, organizations should monitor network traffic for suspicious SOAP requests and implement intrusion detection systems that can identify potential exploitation attempts. According to the MITRE ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to technique T1059.007 for remote code execution and T1078 for valid accounts, as the exploitation can occur without authentication. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other network monitoring and security platforms.