CVE-2014-5359 in Safenet Authentication Service Outlook Web Access Agent
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in SafeNet Authentication Service (SAS) Outlook Web Access Agent (formerly CRYPTOCard) before 1.03.30109 allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the GetFile parameter to owa/owa.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/09/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-5359 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the SafeNet Authentication Service (SAS) Outlook Web Access Agent component, formerly known as CRYPTOCard. This security weakness affects versions prior to 1.03.30109 and enables remote attackers to access arbitrary files on the affected system through a carefully crafted malicious request. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the GetFile parameter in the owa/owa endpoint receives a .. (dot dot) sequence, which allows attackers to navigate beyond the intended directory structure and retrieve unauthorized files from the server's file system.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the SAS Outlook Web Access Agent implementation. When the system processes the GetFile parameter without proper restrictions on directory traversal sequences, it fails to validate whether the requested file path remains within the designated boundaries. This flaw directly maps to CWE-22, which defines the weakness as improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as directory traversal or path traversal attacks. The vulnerability enables attackers to bypass normal access controls and potentially access sensitive configuration files, authentication credentials, or other confidential data stored on the server.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to organizations relying on the SafeNet Authentication Service for email security and authentication. Remote attackers can leverage this weakness to extract critical information such as user credentials, system configurations, or application-specific data without requiring authentication. The impact extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the ability to traverse directories may allow attackers to access additional system resources or potentially escalate privileges within the affected environment. The vulnerability affects the authentication service's web interface, making it particularly dangerous for organizations that depend on secure email access and authentication mechanisms.
The exploitation of CVE-2014-5359 aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083, which covers directory and file permissions enumeration, and T1566, which encompasses credential access through various attack vectors. Organizations should consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure to such vulnerabilities. The recommended mitigation strategy involves applying the vendor-provided patch or upgrade to version 1.03.30109 or later, which addresses the directory traversal vulnerability through proper input validation and path restriction mechanisms. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and security monitoring solutions can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts targeting this specific weakness.