CVE-2014-6035 in OpManager
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in the FileCollector servlet in ZOHO ManageEngine OpManager 11.4, 11.3, and earlier allows remote attackers to write and execute arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the FILENAME parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/28/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-6035 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the FileCollector servlet of ZOHO ManageEngine OpManager versions 11.4 and earlier. This weakness stems from insufficient input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize user-supplied parameters before processing file operations. The vulnerability specifically affects the FILENAME parameter which is processed by the FileCollector servlet, allowing malicious actors to manipulate file paths through the use of directory traversal sequences such as .. (dot dot). This flaw exists within the application's file handling logic where user input directly influences the file system operations without adequate sanitization or validation checks.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker submits a malicious FILENAME parameter containing directory traversal sequences to the FileCollector servlet endpoint. The application processes this input without proper validation, allowing the attacker to navigate outside the intended directory boundaries and write files to arbitrary locations on the target system. This weakness enables attackers to upload malicious files and potentially execute arbitrary code, depending on the permissions of the application process and the target file system. The vulnerability is classified as a directory traversal attack pattern that aligns with CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, as it provides remote attackers with the capability to perform unauthorized file operations on the affected system. Successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and persistence mechanisms being established through the execution of malicious payloads. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to upload web shells, backdoor files, or other malicious executables that would allow them to maintain persistent access to the compromised system. The vulnerability affects the core file handling functionality of the OpManager application, potentially exposing sensitive network infrastructure monitoring data and system resources to unauthorized access.
The attack surface for this vulnerability extends across all versions of ZOHO ManageEngine OpManager prior to version 11.5, making it a widespread concern for organizations utilizing these older versions. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows for remote code execution without requiring authentication, as the FileCollector servlet appears to be accessible to unauthenticated users. This characteristic places the vulnerability in the ATT&CK framework under the T1059 technique category for command and scripting interpreter, as attackers can execute arbitrary commands through the uploaded files. Organizations should consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure to this vulnerability while applying appropriate patches and updates to remediate the issue.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-6035 should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems with the latest security updates provided by ZOHO ManageEngine. Organizations should also implement input validation controls at the application level to prevent directory traversal sequences from being processed, including the implementation of allowlists for valid file names and paths. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls should be configured to detect and block requests containing suspicious directory traversal patterns. Additionally, system administrators should conduct thorough security assessments to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities across other applications and systems within their infrastructure. The implementation of principle of least privilege access controls and regular security audits would further reduce the risk exposure associated with this type of vulnerability.