CVE-2014-8270 in Track-It!
Summary
by MITRE
BMC Track-It! 11.3 allows remote attackers to gain privileges and execute arbitrary code by creating an account whose name matches that of a local system account, then performing a password reset.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/09/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2014-8270 represents a critical privilege escalation flaw within BMC Track-It! version 11.3, a widely used IT service management and asset tracking solution. This vulnerability stems from a fundamental design flaw in the application's user account management and authentication mechanisms, creating a pathway for remote attackers to bypass security controls and execute arbitrary code on affected systems. The flaw specifically exploits the application's handling of account creation and password reset functionality, allowing malicious actors to leverage system-level accounts for unauthorized access. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it enables remote code execution without requiring prior authentication credentials, making it an attractive target for attackers seeking to compromise enterprise environments.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a race condition or improper access control mechanism that permits the creation of user accounts with names identical to existing local system accounts. When an attacker successfully creates an account matching a local system account name, the application fails to properly validate or isolate these accounts, leading to potential privilege escalation. During the password reset process, the system does not adequately distinguish between legitimate user accounts and system accounts, allowing the attacker to manipulate the authentication flow. This flaw falls under the category of improper access control as defined by CWE-284 and represents a specific instance of credential stuffing or account manipulation techniques that can be categorized under ATT&CK technique T1078. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal privileges initially but ultimately results in system-level access, making it particularly dangerous for enterprise environments where BMC Track-It! is deployed.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-8270 extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive data. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges, potentially gaining access to network resources, databases, and other critical systems within the enterprise environment. The remote nature of the attack means that adversaries can exploit this vulnerability from outside the network perimeter, eliminating the need for physical access or insider knowledge. Organizations using BMC Track-It! 11.3 are particularly vulnerable as this flaw affects the core authentication and authorization mechanisms of the application, potentially allowing attackers to move laterally within networks and access confidential information. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that many organizations rely on such IT service management tools for critical business operations, making successful exploitation potentially devastating.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-8270 should focus on immediate patching of the affected BMC Track-It! 11.3 installation and implementation of additional security controls to prevent account name conflicts. Organizations should ensure that user account creation processes properly validate against existing system accounts and implement strict access controls for password reset functionality. Network segmentation and monitoring should be enhanced to detect suspicious account creation patterns and password reset activities. The implementation of multi-factor authentication and strict account naming policies can help prevent exploitation attempts. Additionally, organizations should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify other potentially affected systems and ensure proper input validation and access control mechanisms are in place. Regular security updates and patch management processes should be strengthened to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being introduced into the system. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper account management and access control validation in enterprise applications, particularly those handling authentication and authorization functions. The flaw serves as a reminder of the critical need for comprehensive security testing and validation of authentication mechanisms, especially in applications that serve as central points of access within enterprise environments.