CVE-2015-2346 in SEQ Analyst
Summary
by MITRE
XML external entity (XXE) in Huawei SEQ Analyst before V200R002C03LG0001CP0022 allows remote authenticated users to read arbitrary files via the req parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/17/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-2346 represents a critical XML external entity processing flaw within Huawei SEQ Analyst software prior to version V200R002C03LG0001CP0022. This vulnerability resides in the application's handling of XML input data through the req parameter, creating a pathway for remote authenticated attackers to exploit the system's XML parser implementation. The flaw specifically manifests when the application processes XML requests without proper validation or sanitization of external entity references, allowing malicious actors to manipulate the parsing behavior and access sensitive system resources.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-611, which categorizes improper restriction of XML external entities as a significant security weakness. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability by crafting malicious XML payloads that include references to external entities, enabling them to traverse the file system and retrieve arbitrary files from the server. The authenticated nature of the attack means that an attacker must first establish valid credentials to exploit this vulnerability, though this requirement does not significantly diminish the risk given that credential compromise is a common attack vector in enterprise environments. The vulnerability affects the XML processing layer of the SEQ Analyst application, where the request parameter serves as the primary entry point for XML data consumption.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with the capability to access sensitive configuration files, user credentials, and potentially system-level data that could be used for further exploitation. Remote authenticated users can leverage this vulnerability to perform reconnaissance activities, identify system configurations, and potentially escalate privileges within the compromised environment. The attack vector requires minimal technical expertise to execute successfully, making it particularly dangerous in environments where the software is widely deployed and may be exposed to untrusted network traffic. This vulnerability also creates opportunities for attackers to map the underlying file system structure and identify additional attack surfaces within the application ecosystem.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including upgrading to the patched version V200R002C03LG0001CP0022 or applying the relevant security patches provided by Huawei. Additionally, implementing proper XML parser configuration that disables external entity resolution and DTD processing can effectively prevent exploitation of this vulnerability. Network segmentation and access controls should be enforced to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation, while monitoring systems should be configured to detect anomalous XML processing activities. The vulnerability's classification under ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for XML External Entity Processing aligns with broader defensive strategies that focus on input validation and secure coding practices. Security teams should also conduct comprehensive assessments of similar XML processing components within their infrastructure to identify and remediate potential variants of this vulnerability, as the underlying architectural flaw is common across many applications that process XML data without proper security controls.