CVE-2015-0888 in Clip Board
Summary
by MITRE
KENT-WEB Clip Board before 4.1 allows remote attackers to delete arbitrary files via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/14/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-0888 affects KENT-WEB Clip Board versions prior to 4.1, presenting a critical security flaw that enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary file deletion operations. This vulnerability resides within the clipboard management functionality of the KENT-WEB system, which is commonly deployed in enterprise environments for document handling and data transfer operations. The unspecified vectors through which attackers can exploit this weakness suggest a fundamental flaw in the input validation and access control mechanisms implemented within the clipboard service. The vulnerability represents a significant concern for organizations relying on this software, as it could potentially lead to data loss, system compromise, or disruption of critical business operations. The affected system architecture likely processes clipboard data without adequate sanitization or authorization checks, creating an attack surface that malicious actors can leverage to manipulate the file system remotely.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate validation of user inputs and insufficient access controls within the clipboard service. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious requests that target the clipboard functionality, potentially bypassing normal file system permissions and executing deletion commands against arbitrary files on the target system. The unspecified nature of the attack vectors indicates that multiple pathways may exist for exploitation, including but not limited to improper parameter handling, insecure direct object references, or lack of proper authentication mechanisms. This type of vulnerability typically falls under the category of path traversal or arbitrary file manipulation attacks, where the attacker can specify file paths that should normally be restricted. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, and CWE-77, which covers command injection vulnerabilities that can lead to unauthorized file operations.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-0888 extends beyond simple file deletion, potentially enabling attackers to compromise entire system configurations, remove critical security tools, or eliminate forensic evidence. Organizations using affected versions of KENT-WEB Clip Board face risks of data integrity breaches, service disruption, and potential lateral movement within their networks if attackers gain access to the clipboard service. The remote nature of the attack means that adversaries do not require physical access or local system credentials to exploit this vulnerability, making it particularly dangerous in networked environments. The attack could result in significant business disruption, regulatory compliance violations, and potential financial losses due to data loss or system downtime. Furthermore, this vulnerability could serve as a foothold for more sophisticated attacks, allowing threat actors to establish persistence or escalate privileges within the affected environment.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-0888 primarily focus on upgrading to KENT-WEB Clip Board version 4.1 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the arbitrary file deletion vulnerability. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to limit access to clipboard services and establish strict firewall rules that restrict remote connections to these components. Additional protective measures include disabling unnecessary clipboard functionality, implementing robust input validation on all user-facing interfaces, and conducting regular security assessments of clipboard services and associated systems. The implementation of principle of least privilege access controls can help minimize the potential impact if exploitation occurs. Organizations should also consider deploying intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious clipboard activity and establish incident response procedures specifically addressing clipboard-based attacks. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining current software versions and implementing defense-in-depth strategies that protect against multiple attack vectors simultaneously. The remediation process should include thorough testing of the updated software to ensure that the patch does not introduce compatibility issues with existing systems or business processes.