CVE-2015-2121 in Network Virtualization
Summary
by MITRE
HP Network Virtualization for LoadRunner and Performance Center 8.61 and 11.52 allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a crafted filename in a URL to the (1) HttpServlet or (2) NetworkEditorController component, aka ZDI-CAN-2569.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/01/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-2121 affects HP Network Virtualization for LoadRunner and Performance Center versions 8.61 and 11.52, representing a critical directory traversal flaw that enables remote attackers to access arbitrary files on the target system. This vulnerability manifests through the HttpServlet and NetworkEditorController components, which fail to properly validate user-supplied input when processing file requests through URL parameters. The flaw stems from insufficient input sanitization mechanisms that allow attackers to manipulate file paths and bypass normal access controls, potentially leading to unauthorized data access and system compromise.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a classic directory traversal pattern where malicious users can craft specially formatted URLs containing sequences such as "../" or similar path manipulation techniques to navigate outside the intended directory boundaries. When the HttpServlet or NetworkEditorController components process these crafted URLs, they fail to implement proper input validation or path normalization, allowing the system to interpret and serve files from arbitrary locations within the file system. This weakness directly maps to CWE-22, which categorizes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as successful exploitation can provide attackers with access to sensitive configuration files, log data, source code, and potentially system credentials stored within the application's file hierarchy. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to gain insights into the internal architecture of the load testing environment, identify system configurations, and potentially escalate privileges through access to administrative files or database connection strings. 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 where these applications are exposed to untrusted networks.
From a threat modeling perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and T1566 (Phishing for Information), as it enables attackers to systematically discover and extract sensitive files from compromised systems. The vulnerability also represents a significant risk to organizations using HP Network Virtualization for LoadRunner and Performance Center in production environments, as these tools are often deployed in enterprise settings where they may have access to sensitive business data and system configurations. Organizations may also face compliance violations if sensitive data is accessed through this vulnerability, particularly in regulated industries where data protection requirements are stringent. The attack surface is further expanded when considering that these applications are often deployed in environments with multiple interconnected systems, potentially allowing attackers to use this initial foothold to pivot to other systems within the network.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the affected components, specifically addressing the HttpServlet and NetworkEditorController modules. Organizations should apply the vendor-provided patches or updates released to address this vulnerability, while also implementing network-level restrictions to limit access to these components to trusted networks only. Additionally, security configurations should include disabling unnecessary file access capabilities and implementing proper access controls that restrict file system access to authorized users only. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the application stack, ensuring comprehensive protection against path traversal attacks. The implementation of web application firewalls and security monitoring solutions can also provide additional layers of defense by detecting and blocking suspicious URL patterns that attempt to exploit directory traversal vulnerabilities.