CVE-2015-0271 in Openstack
Summary
by MITRE
The log-viewing function in the Red Hat redhat-access-plugin before 6.0.3 for OpenStack Dashboard (horizon) allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a crafted path.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/16/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-0271 represents a critical path traversal flaw within the Red Hat redhat-access-plugin component of the OpenStack Dashboard horizon interface. This security weakness specifically affects versions prior to 6.0.3 and exposes the log-viewing functionality to remote exploitation. The flaw enables malicious actors to manipulate file paths through crafted input, potentially gaining unauthorized access to sensitive system files and data that should remain protected from external inspection.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the plugin's file handling mechanisms. When users attempt to view system logs through the dashboard interface, the application fails to properly validate the file paths provided in the request parameters. This allows attackers to construct malicious paths using directory traversal sequences such as ../ or ..\ that bypass normal file access controls and permit reading of arbitrary files on the underlying filesystem. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and demonstrates a classic path traversal attack pattern that has been documented across numerous systems and frameworks.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to OpenStack environments utilizing the affected plugin version. Remote attackers can exploit this flaw to access sensitive configuration files, credential stores, system logs, and potentially system binaries that contain confidential information. The impact extends beyond simple information disclosure as the ability to read arbitrary files may enable further exploitation attempts including privilege escalation, system reconnaissance, and data exfiltration. Organizations using OpenStack dashboard interfaces with this vulnerable plugin face potential exposure of their entire infrastructure to unauthorized access.
The security implications of this vulnerability align with CWE-22, which categorizes path traversal flaws as a fundamental weakness in input validation. This weakness falls under the broader category of improper input validation that allows attackers to manipulate file system access controls. The ATT&CK framework would classify this vulnerability under the technique of "File and Directory Discovery" where adversaries seek to understand the file system structure of compromised systems. The vulnerability also relates to privilege escalation pathways as successful exploitation may provide attackers with access to files that contain authentication credentials or system configuration details.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigation strategies including upgrading to redhat-access-plugin version 6.0.3 or later where the vulnerability has been addressed through proper input validation and path sanitization. Additional protective measures include implementing web application firewalls to filter malicious path traversal attempts, restricting access to the log viewing functionality to authorized personnel only, and conducting regular security audits of dashboard plugins. System administrators should also monitor access logs for suspicious file access patterns and implement proper file system permissions to limit the damage potential even if exploitation occurs. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing of the updated plugin to ensure no regression issues affect the dashboard functionality while maintaining security hardening measures.