CVE-2014-9372 in Password Manager Pro
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in the UploadAccountActivities servlet in ManageEngine Password Manager Pro (PMP) before 7103 allows remote attackers to delete arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in a filename.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/21/2018
The directory traversal vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-9372 affects ManageEngine Password Manager Pro version 7102 and earlier, representing a critical security flaw in the UploadAccountActivities servlet component. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize file names submitted through the web interface, creating an exploitable path traversal condition. The flaw allows remote attackers to manipulate file system operations by inserting directory traversal sequences into file names, specifically utilizing the .. (dot dot) notation to navigate outside the intended directory boundaries. Such a vulnerability falls under the CWE-22 category, which classifies directory traversal attacks as a fundamental weakness in input validation processes. The security implications extend beyond simple file access, as the vulnerability enables attackers to delete arbitrary files on the target system, potentially compromising the integrity and availability of critical password management data.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an attacker to craft malicious file names containing directory traversal sequences that bypass the application's validation checks. When the UploadAccountActivities servlet processes these malformed file names, the application fails to properly validate or sanitize the input, allowing the traversal sequences to be interpreted by the underlying file system operations. This results in the application performing file operations on unintended locations within the file system hierarchy, enabling attackers to target files outside the designated upload directories. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the file system level rather than merely manipulating web content, meaning that successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise or data destruction. The attack vector is remote and requires no authentication, making it especially concerning for enterprise password management solutions that often contain sensitive credential information.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends significantly beyond the immediate file deletion capabilities, as it represents a fundamental breakdown in the application's security controls and input validation mechanisms. Organizations using affected versions of Password Manager Pro face potential data loss, system compromise, and regulatory compliance violations when this vulnerability is exploited. The ability to delete arbitrary files can lead to complete system outages, destruction of backup data, or removal of critical security components that protect the password management infrastructure. The vulnerability also creates opportunities for attackers to escalate privileges or gain deeper system access by targeting configuration files, logs, or other system components. From a threat actor perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and control operations, as well as T1486 for data destruction, making it a particularly attractive target for malicious actors seeking to disrupt business operations or extract sensitive information.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of the affected ManageEngine Password Manager Pro installations to version 7103 or later, which includes proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms for file names. Organizations should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of the vulnerable servlet to untrusted networks, while also conducting thorough security assessments to identify any potential exploitation attempts. The implementation of proper file name validation, including the removal or encoding of directory traversal sequences, should be enforced at multiple layers of the application architecture. Additionally, organizations should establish monitoring procedures to detect anomalous file system operations and implement regular security audits of critical password management systems. Security teams should also consider implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to help identify and block exploitation attempts targeting this specific vulnerability pattern. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing to ensure that the patch does not introduce regressions in legitimate functionality while maintaining the security improvements necessary to prevent future exploitation attempts.