CVE-2014-5446 in Netflow Analyzer
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in the DisplayChartPDF servlet in ZOHO ManageEngine Netflow Analyzer 8.6 through 10.2 and IT360 10.3 allows remote attackers and remote authenticated users to read arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the filename parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/28/2024
The CVE-2014-5446 vulnerability represents a critical directory traversal flaw in ZOHO ManageEngine Netflow Analyzer and IT360 products, affecting versions from 8.6 through 10.2 and 10.3 respectively. This vulnerability resides within the DisplayChartPDF servlet component, which processes requests for generating PDF reports based on network flow data. The flaw enables attackers to manipulate file access parameters through manipulation of the filename parameter, specifically by injecting directory traversal sequences using the .. (dot dot) notation. This vulnerability falls under CWE-22, which categorizes directory traversal attacks as a fundamental weakness in input validation and file system access control mechanisms. The vulnerability operates by allowing an attacker to bypass normal file access restrictions and access files outside the intended directory structure, potentially exposing sensitive system information, configuration files, or database contents.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires a remote attacker to craft a malicious request to the DisplayChartPDF servlet endpoint, passing a filename parameter that includes directory traversal sequences. When the application processes this parameter without proper input sanitization or validation, it interprets the .. sequences as commands to navigate up the directory tree, thereby allowing access to files that should remain restricted. This type of attack directly violates the principle of least privilege and demonstrates inadequate input validation controls. The vulnerability affects both unauthenticated and authenticated users, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by anyone with network access to the affected system. The attack vector aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083, which covers discovering file and directory permissions on compromised systems, and T1059, which encompasses command and scripting interpreters used for exploitation.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-5446 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as attackers could potentially access sensitive configuration files, database credentials, or other system artifacts that could facilitate further compromise. Network flow analyzer systems typically contain valuable data about network traffic patterns, user behavior, and system performance metrics, making them attractive targets for adversaries seeking to understand network infrastructure or extract intelligence. The vulnerability's presence in both Netflow Analyzer and IT360 products means that organizations using these tools face significant risk, as the exploitation could reveal network topology information, user access patterns, or system configuration details that could be leveraged for lateral movement or privilege escalation attacks. Organizations may also face compliance violations if sensitive data is exposed through such vulnerabilities, particularly in regulated environments where data protection and access control are paramount requirements.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-5446 should focus on implementing robust input validation and sanitization controls within the affected servlet components. The most effective immediate solution involves patching the software to version 10.3 or later, where ZOHO has addressed the directory traversal vulnerability through proper parameter validation and access control enforcement. Organizations should also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of the affected services to untrusted networks. Additional defensive measures include implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block directory traversal attempts, conducting regular security assessments of web applications, and establishing proper logging and monitoring of file access patterns to detect anomalous behavior. The vulnerability underscores the importance of secure coding practices and input validation as fundamental security controls, particularly for applications handling sensitive network data. Organizations should also consider implementing principle of least privilege access controls and regular security updates to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being exploited in their network infrastructure.