CVE-2014-8515 in BitTorrent
Summary
by MITRE
The web interface in BitTorrent allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands by leveraging knowledge of the pairing values and a crafted request to port 10000.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/09/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-8515 resides within the web interface of BitTorrent client software, presenting a critical remote code execution flaw that enables attackers to gain unauthorized system access. This vulnerability specifically targets the client's web interface component which operates on port 10000, making it accessible to remote adversaries who can exploit the weakness through crafted HTTP requests. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation and authentication mechanisms within the web interface, allowing malicious actors to bypass security controls and execute arbitrary commands on the affected system with the privileges of the running process.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability relies on the attacker's ability to discover or guess pairing values that serve as authentication tokens or session identifiers within the BitTorrent client's web interface. These pairing values act as implicit credentials that, when combined with crafted requests, grant unauthorized access to the command execution functionality. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be classified under CWE-20, which represents improper input validation, and CWE-77, which addresses command injection vulnerabilities. Attackers can leverage this flaw to execute system commands such as spawning shells, downloading additional malware, or modifying system files without requiring legitimate user credentials or direct network access to the target system.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-8515 extends beyond simple remote code execution, as it provides attackers with persistent access to compromised systems and enables various advanced attack vectors. Once exploited, adversaries can establish backdoors, conduct reconnaissance activities, and potentially use the compromised system as a pivot point for attacking other network resources. The vulnerability's accessibility through the web interface means that attackers do not require physical access to the system or specialized knowledge of the underlying operating system to exploit it. This characteristic aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059, which describes command and scripting interpreter usage, and T1071, which covers application layer protocol usage, making the vulnerability particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where BitTorrent clients may be running with elevated privileges.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-8515 primarily involve immediate patching of affected BitTorrent client versions, as the vulnerability was addressed through software updates that strengthened authentication mechanisms and input validation. Network administrators should implement firewall rules to block access to port 10000 from external networks unless absolutely necessary, as this prevents unauthorized remote access to the vulnerable web interface. Additional security measures include disabling the web interface when not required, implementing strong authentication controls, and monitoring network traffic for suspicious activity on port 10000. Organizations should also consider network segmentation to isolate systems running BitTorrent clients and establish regular vulnerability scanning procedures to identify similar weaknesses in other software components. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input sanitization and authentication controls in web applications, as highlighted by industry standards and best practices for secure software development.