CVE-2015-1501 in Server
Summary
by MITRE
The factory.loadExtensionFactory function in TSUnicodeGraphEditorControl in SolarWinds Server and Application Monitor (SAM) allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a UNC path to a crafted binary.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/13/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-1501 resides within the TSUnicodeGraphEditorControl component of SolarWinds Server and Application Monitor version 6.2 and earlier. This critical security flaw manifests in the factory.loadExtensionFactory function which improperly handles Universal Naming Convention paths during the loading of extension factories. The vulnerability represents a classic remote code execution vector that enables malicious actors to execute arbitrary code on targeted systems. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization of UNC paths, allowing attackers to craft malicious binary files that get executed when the vulnerable application processes these paths. This vulnerability is particularly dangerous as it does not require authentication or local system access to exploit, making it a prime target for remote attackers seeking to compromise systems running the affected software.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a specific attack pattern where an attacker constructs a malicious UNC path pointing to a specially crafted binary file. When the vulnerable TSUnicodeGraphEditorControl processes this path through the factory.loadExtensionFactory function, the application fails to properly validate the input, leading to the automatic execution of the malicious binary. This behavior aligns with CWE-74, known as "Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Output Used by a Downstream Component," and CWE-15, "External Control of System or Configuration Setting." The vulnerability essentially allows attackers to bypass normal execution controls and inject malicious code into the target system's memory space. The attack chain typically involves the attacker placing a malicious binary on a remote server accessible via UNC path, then tricking the vulnerable application into loading and executing this binary through the improperly validated path handling mechanism.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-1501 extends far beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with complete system compromise capabilities. Once successfully exploited, attackers can establish persistent backdoors, escalate privileges, and gain access to sensitive system resources. The vulnerability affects organizations running SolarWinds SAM 6.2 or earlier versions, which were commonly deployed in enterprise environments for network monitoring and application performance management. This creates a significant risk for organizations as the affected software typically runs with elevated privileges, potentially allowing attackers to gain administrative access to monitored systems. The vulnerability also enables attackers to perform lateral movement within networks, as the compromised monitoring systems often have access to multiple network segments. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-1501 should focus on immediate remediation through software updates and network-level controls. Organizations must upgrade to SolarWinds SAM version 6.3 or later, which contains patches addressing this vulnerability. Additionally, network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit the exposure of vulnerable systems to untrusted networks. The implementation of network monitoring solutions capable of detecting suspicious UNC path usage can provide early warning of potential exploitation attempts. Security teams should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict the execution of binaries from untrusted UNC paths. From a defensive perspective, the vulnerability highlights the importance of validating all external inputs and implementing proper input sanitization mechanisms. Organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify other potentially affected systems and ensure that all monitoring and management tools are kept up to date with the latest security patches. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of secure coding practices and the potential consequences of insufficient input validation in system components that handle external data sources.