CVE-2014-5073 in Operations Manager
Summary
by MITRE
vmtadmin.cgi in VMTurbo Operations Manager before 4.6 build 28657 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands via shell metacharacters in the fileDate parameter in a DOWN call.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/04/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-5073 resides within the vmtadmin.cgi component of VMTurbo Operations Manager, a performance management and automation platform designed for virtualized environments. This critical security flaw affects versions prior to 4.6 build 28657, representing a significant risk to organizations relying on this platform for their virtual infrastructure management. The vulnerability manifests through a command injection vector that exploits improper input validation mechanisms within the DOWN call functionality of the web administration interface.
The technical exploitation occurs through the manipulation of the fileDate parameter within the DOWN call request to vmtadmin.cgi. When an attacker crafts a malicious payload containing shell metacharacters and submits it as the fileDate parameter, the application fails to properly sanitize or escape these inputs before processing them within a shell context. This allows the attacker to inject arbitrary commands that are subsequently executed with the privileges of the web server process, potentially enabling complete system compromise. The vulnerability specifically demonstrates characteristics consistent with CWE-77, or Command Injection, where user-supplied data is directly incorporated into shell commands without adequate sanitization.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple remote code execution, as it provides attackers with the capability to gain unauthorized access to the underlying operating system hosting the VMTurbo Operations Manager. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges, install backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, or disrupt services within the virtualized environment. Given that VMTurbo Operations Manager typically operates within enterprise networks managing critical infrastructure, the compromise of such a system could lead to widespread service disruption and data breaches. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001, or Command and Scripting Interpreter, where adversaries use legitimate system tools to execute malicious commands.
Organizations utilizing affected versions of VMTurbo Operations Manager should prioritize immediate remediation through the installation of the vendor-provided patch or upgrade to version 4.6 build 28657 or later. Additionally, network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit exposure of the vulnerable web interface to untrusted networks. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous command execution patterns and unusual network traffic originating from the affected system. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation and proper sanitization of user-supplied data in web applications, particularly those handling administrative functions within enterprise environments. Organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify other potential command injection vulnerabilities within their IT infrastructure and implement robust security controls including web application firewalls and regular security audits to prevent similar incidents.