CVE-2015-1490 in Endpoint Protection Manager
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in the management console in Symantec Endpoint Protection Manager (SEPM) 12.1 before 12.1-RU6-MP1 allows remote authenticated users to read arbitrary files via a relative pathname in a client installation package.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/07/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-1490 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within Symantec Endpoint Protection Manager version 12.1 prior to 12.1-RU6-MP1. This weakness exists in the management console component of the security solution, specifically affecting how the system handles client installation package requests. The vulnerability enables authenticated remote attackers to exploit a path traversal mechanism that allows them to access files outside the intended directory structure, potentially compromising sensitive data and system integrity.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation within the SEPM management console. When processing client installation packages, the system fails to properly sanitize or validate relative pathnames submitted by authenticated users. This allows attackers to manipulate file paths using directory traversal sequences such as "../" to navigate beyond the intended file access boundaries. The flaw operates at the application layer and specifically impacts the file handling mechanisms used for package management within the endpoint protection framework.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized file access, as it provides attackers with potential access to sensitive system files, configuration data, and potentially system credentials stored within the SEPM environment. Remote authenticated users who can submit client installation packages gain the ability to read arbitrary files from the system, which could include database files, configuration settings, or other sensitive information that could be leveraged for further exploitation or system compromise. This vulnerability essentially undermines the security boundary of the management console and could enable attackers to escalate their privileges or gain deeper system access.
Organizations running affected versions of Symantec Endpoint Protection Manager face significant risk from this vulnerability, as it requires only authenticated access to exploit. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it can be executed remotely against the management console, potentially allowing attackers who have valid user credentials to escalate their privileges and access sensitive system information. The vulnerability also aligns with CWE-22, which categorizes directory traversal flaws as a common weakness in software applications. From an ATT&CK perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving privilege escalation and credential access, as attackers can potentially extract sensitive information from system files that may contain authentication details or system configurations.
The remediation strategy for this vulnerability involves applying the appropriate security patches from Symantec, specifically upgrading to SEPM version 12.1-RU6-MP1 or later. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to limit access to the management console and ensure that only authorized personnel have authentication credentials. Additional mitigations include monitoring for unusual file access patterns and implementing strict access controls for the management console. Security teams should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify any systems running affected versions and prioritize patching activities accordingly. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and access control mechanisms within enterprise security management systems.