CVE-2015-2136 in ArcSight Logger
Summary
by MITRE
HP ArcSight Logger before 6.0 P2 allows remote authenticated users to bypass the intended authorization policy via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/15/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-2136 affects HP ArcSight Logger versions prior to 6.0 Patch 2, representing a critical authorization bypass flaw that undermines the security controls designed to protect sensitive log data and system resources. This issue enables remote authenticated attackers to circumvent the intended access controls, potentially gaining unauthorized access to restricted functionalities and information within the logging environment. The vulnerability stems from insufficient validation mechanisms within the authorization framework, allowing malicious actors with legitimate credentials to exploit weaknesses in the permission model.
The technical implementation of this flaw involves unspecified vectors that likely relate to improper access control validation during authentication processes or inadequate session management within the ArcSight Logger application. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to escalate their privileges beyond what their assigned roles should permit, potentially accessing administrative functions, viewing restricted log data, or modifying system configurations. The unspecified nature of the attack vectors suggests that the vulnerability may manifest through multiple pathways within the authorization framework, making it particularly challenging to defend against through traditional perimeter security measures.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it can compromise the integrity and confidentiality of the entire logging infrastructure. Organizations relying on ArcSight Logger for security monitoring and compliance reporting face significant risks when this vulnerability exists, as attackers could potentially hide their activities within the system or access sensitive information that should remain protected. The implications are particularly severe in environments where ArcSight Logger serves as a central component for security information and event management, as the compromise of authorization controls can lead to complete system infiltration and data exfiltration.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate patch deployment to upgrade to HP ArcSight Logger 6.0 P2 or later versions where the vulnerability has been addressed. Organizations must also implement additional monitoring and access control measures to detect potential exploitation attempts, including reviewing audit logs for unusual access patterns and implementing network segmentation to limit the attack surface. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-285, which addresses improper authorization issues in software systems, and corresponds to ATT&CK technique T1078 for valid accounts and T1566 for credential harvesting, indicating that this flaw represents a significant pathway for adversaries to establish persistent access within targeted environments. Organizations should conduct thorough security assessments of their ArcSight deployments to identify any potential exploitation and ensure that proper access control policies are enforced across all system components.