CVE-2014-5377 in Device Expert
Summary
by MITRE
ReadUsersFromMasterServlet in ManageEngine DeviceExpert before 5.9 build 5981 allows remote attackers to obtain user account credentials via a direct request.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/01/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-5377 affects ManageEngine DeviceExpert version 5.9 build 5981 and earlier, representing a critical security flaw in the application's authentication and authorization mechanisms. This issue stems from the ReadUsersFromMasterServlet component which fails to properly validate incoming requests, allowing unauthorized remote attackers to directly access sensitive user credential information. The vulnerability exists within the web application's servlet architecture where proper access controls are not enforced, creating an exploitable path for attackers to bypass normal authentication procedures.
The technical implementation of this flaw resides in the insufficient input validation and access control mechanisms within the ManageEngine DeviceExpert application. The ReadUsersFromMasterServlet does not perform adequate authorization checks before processing requests, meaning any remote attacker who can make a direct HTTP request to the vulnerable endpoint can retrieve user account credentials without proper authentication. This represents a classic case of improper access control where the application fails to verify that the requesting entity has legitimate authorization to access the requested resource. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-285, which addresses improper authorization issues, and specifically demonstrates the weakness of insufficient access control in web applications. Attackers can exploit this by crafting direct requests to the servlet endpoint, potentially gaining access to plaintext passwords, user accounts, and other sensitive authentication data that should remain protected within the application's secure boundaries.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and far-reaching for organizations using affected versions of ManageEngine DeviceExpert. Successful exploitation can lead to complete compromise of user accounts, enabling attackers to perform unauthorized administrative actions, access sensitive network device configurations, and potentially escalate privileges within the network infrastructure. The exposure of user credentials creates a persistent threat vector that can be leveraged for lateral movement, privilege escalation, and long-term persistence within the target environment. Organizations may face regulatory compliance violations, data breaches, and significant operational disruption when this vulnerability is exploited. The attack surface is particularly concerning because it allows remote exploitation without requiring any prior authentication, making it an attractive target for automated scanning and exploitation campaigns. This vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers legitimate credentials usage, where attackers can leverage stolen credentials to maintain access to systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-5377 should prioritize immediate patching of affected ManageEngine DeviceExpert installations to version 5.9 build 5981 or later, which contains the necessary security fixes. Organizations should also implement network-level restrictions to limit access to the vulnerable servlet endpoints, particularly by blocking direct access from untrusted networks. Additional security controls include implementing proper network segmentation, deploying web application firewalls to monitor and filter requests to sensitive endpoints, and conducting thorough access control reviews to ensure that only authorized personnel can access administrative functions. Security teams should also monitor for suspicious access patterns and implement logging controls that can detect attempts to access the vulnerable servlet. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation and access control implementation, emphasizing the need for comprehensive security testing including penetration testing and vulnerability assessments to identify similar flaws in other applications within the organization's attack surface.