CVE-2014-9225 in Data Center Security
Summary
by MITRE
The ajaxswing webui in the management server in Symantec Critical System Protection (SCSP) 5.2.9 through MP6 and Symantec Data Center Security: Server Advanced (SDCS:SA) 6.0.x through 6.0 MP1 allows remote authenticated users to obtain sensitive server information via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/01/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-9225 represents a significant information disclosure flaw within Symantec's critical security management platforms. This weakness exists in the ajaxswing webui component of the management server that is part of Symantec Critical System Protection version 5.2.9 through MP6 and Symantec Data Center Security: Server Advanced version 6.0.x through 6.0 MP1. The vulnerability specifically affects the web user interface layer that handles administrative functions and server management operations, creating a pathway for remote authenticated attackers to extract sensitive server information without proper authorization. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and output sanitization mechanisms within the ajaxswing framework, which is commonly used for dynamic web interfaces in enterprise security solutions.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows an attacker who has already established legitimate authentication credentials to leverage the webui component to access server-side information that should remain confidential. This type of information disclosure typically involves gathering system configuration details, internal server paths, version information, or other metadata that could aid in further exploitation attempts. The unspecified vectors suggest that multiple attack pathways may exist within the ajaxswing interface, potentially including parameter manipulation, direct object reference flaws, or improper access controls that allow privilege escalation or information retrieval beyond the intended scope of authenticated user permissions. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which specifically addresses information exposure through improper access control mechanisms, and represents a classic case of insufficient logging and monitoring that could lead to broader compromise scenarios.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the leaked server information could serve as a foundation for more sophisticated attacks targeting the security infrastructure. Attackers could use the gathered information to map internal network structures, identify potential attack vectors, or craft more targeted exploits against other components of the security ecosystem. The vulnerability affects organizations that rely on Symantec's security solutions for critical system protection, potentially compromising the security posture of their data center environments. This weakness undermines the fundamental principle of least privilege by allowing authenticated users to access information that should be restricted to administrators or system-level processes. The impact is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where security tools are often treated as trusted components, making this vulnerability a potential gateway for attackers to gain deeper insights into protected systems.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigation strategies including comprehensive patch management procedures to address the vulnerability in affected Symantec products. The recommended approach involves applying the vendor-provided security updates and patches that specifically target the ajaxswing webui component and related authentication mechanisms. Network segmentation and access control measures should be strengthened to limit the scope of potential information disclosure, while enhanced monitoring and logging should be implemented to detect unusual access patterns or information gathering activities. Security teams should also conduct thorough vulnerability assessments of their Symantec implementations to identify any additional related weaknesses that could be exploited in conjunction with this information disclosure vulnerability. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing to ensure that the patches do not introduce compatibility issues with existing security operations or administrative workflows. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing network-based intrusion detection systems that can identify and alert on suspicious webui access patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts against this and similar vulnerabilities.