CVE-2014-6304 in Sequence Kinetics
Summary
by MITRE
The Form Controls CSS file in PNMsoft Sequence Kinetics before 7.7 allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive source-code information via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/13/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-6304 represents a significant information disclosure flaw within PNMsoft Sequence Kinetics version 7.6 and earlier, specifically affecting the Form Controls CSS file. This vulnerability falls under the category of insecure direct object references and information exposure, with potential implications for data confidentiality and system integrity. The issue stems from insufficient access controls and improper handling of sensitive resources within the web application framework, creating opportunities for unauthorized information retrieval.
The technical flaw manifests in the way the Form Controls CSS file handles requests for sensitive source code information. Attackers can exploit unspecified vectors to gain access to source code elements that should remain protected within the application's internal structure. This typically occurs when the application fails to properly validate user inputs or implement adequate authorization checks before serving content. The vulnerability exploits weaknesses in the application's resource management and access control mechanisms, allowing attackers to bypass normal security boundaries. The issue is particularly concerning because CSS files should not contain sensitive source code information, yet the flawed implementation permits unauthorized access to such data through predictable or manipulated request patterns.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, potentially enabling more sophisticated attacks that leverage the retrieved source code for further exploitation. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could obtain sensitive source code elements that might reveal application architecture, implementation details, or even hardcoded credentials. This information could then be used to identify additional vulnerabilities through attack surface analysis or to craft more targeted attacks. The exposure of source code elements can also compromise the application's defensive posture by revealing implementation details that attackers could use to bypass security controls or exploit other weaknesses in the system.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigations including access control enforcement, input validation improvements, and proper resource isolation. The recommended approach involves implementing proper authentication and authorization checks before serving any CSS or other resource files that might contain sensitive information. This aligns with security best practices outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and follows the principle of least privilege. Additionally, regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components. The remediation process should include updating to PNMsoft Sequence Kinetics version 7.7 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address this information disclosure vulnerability.
This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices and proper resource management in web applications, particularly regarding how different file types are handled and accessed. The issue relates to CWE-200, which addresses information exposure, and may also connect to CWE-22, dealing with improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory. From an ATT&CK perspective, this vulnerability could be categorized under initial access techniques where adversaries gather information about the target environment. The exposure of source code information through CSS files represents a unique vector that highlights the need for comprehensive security testing across all application components, not just traditional security boundaries. Organizations should consider implementing web application firewalls and monitoring systems to detect and prevent exploitation attempts targeting similar vulnerabilities.