CVE-2014-6261 in Zenoss
Summary
by MITRE
Zenoss Core through 5 Beta 3 does not properly implement the Check For Updates feature, which allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code by (1) spoofing the callhome server or (2) deploying a crafted web site that is visited during a login session, aka ZEN-12657.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/11/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-6261 affects Zenoss Core versions through 5 Beta 3 and stems from improper implementation of the Check For Updates feature. This flaw represents a critical security weakness that enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary code through two distinct attack vectors. The vulnerability specifically targets the callhome functionality that Zenoss Core uses to communicate with its update servers, creating an attack surface that adversaries can exploit to gain unauthorized system access.
The technical implementation flaw lies in how Zenoss Core handles the verification and execution of update checks. When users log into the system and the update feature is triggered, the application fails to properly validate the authenticity of responses from the update servers. This validation failure creates opportunities for man-in-the-middle attacks where malicious actors can spoof legitimate update servers or craft malicious web content that gets executed during user sessions. The vulnerability demonstrates poor input validation and authentication mechanisms that are fundamental to secure software design principles.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability allows attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems with the privileges of the user running the Zenoss Core application. The attack can be initiated through simple web browsing activities, making it particularly dangerous as users may unknowingly trigger the exploit during routine login sessions. The implications extend beyond immediate code execution to potential privilege escalation and persistent access to network monitoring infrastructure that Zenoss Core typically protects. This vulnerability undermines the security posture of organizations relying on Zenoss Core for system monitoring and management.
The attack vectors identified in this vulnerability align with common exploitation techniques found in the cyber threat landscape, particularly those involving web-based attacks and server spoofing. This flaw can be categorized under CWE-284 (Improper Access Control) and CWE-94 (Improper Control of Generation of Code) as it involves both access control bypass and code execution vulnerabilities. The vulnerability also maps to ATT&CK techniques related to initial access through web-based attacks and privilege escalation through code execution. Organizations using Zenoss Core should implement immediate mitigations including network segmentation, firewall rules to block unauthorized update server communications, and disabling the problematic update feature until proper patches are applied.
The exploitation of this vulnerability requires minimal technical expertise and can be automated, making it particularly dangerous for widespread deployment. Attackers can leverage the spoofing capability to redirect update traffic to malicious servers that respond with crafted payloads designed to exploit the vulnerable system. Additionally, the web-based attack vector means that users visiting compromised websites during their Zenoss Core sessions can trigger the exploit without any direct interaction with the vulnerable application itself. This dual attack surface significantly increases the attack surface and potential impact of the vulnerability, as it can be exploited through both network-based and user interaction-based attack methods.