CVE-2015-2953 in MilkyStep
Summary
by MITRE
Igreks MilkyStep Light 0.94 and earlier and Professional 1.82 and earlier allows remote attackers to bypass intended access restrictions and read files via unspecified vectors, a different vulnerability than CVE-2015-2952 and CVE-2015-2958.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/06/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-2953 affects the Igreks MilkyStep Light and Professional software versions 0.94 and earlier, and 1.82 and earlier respectively. This issue represents a critical access control flaw that enables remote attackers to circumvent intended security restrictions and gain unauthorized access to sensitive files within the system. The vulnerability operates through unspecified attack vectors that distinguish it from related issues CVE-2015-2952 and CVE-2015-2958, indicating a unique pathway for exploitation that requires specific technical analysis to understand fully. The affected software products appear to implement inadequate input validation and access control mechanisms that allow malicious actors to traverse the intended security boundaries and access restricted file systems.
The technical nature of this vulnerability suggests a failure in the software's authorization framework where legitimate access controls are bypassed through remote means. Attackers can exploit this weakness without requiring local system access or physical presence, making it particularly dangerous as it can be leveraged from any network location. The unspecified vectors indicate that the flaw may involve improper handling of file paths, inadequate authentication checks, or flawed privilege escalation mechanisms within the application's core architecture. This type of vulnerability typically stems from poor software development practices where security controls are either missing or inadequately implemented, creating opportunities for unauthorized data access that could include sensitive configuration files, user data, or system information.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-2953 extends beyond simple unauthorized file access, potentially exposing organizations to significant data breaches and compliance violations. Remote attackers who successfully exploit this vulnerability could access confidential information, manipulate system configurations, or use the acquired data as a stepping stone for further attacks within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability's classification as a file read bypass suggests that attackers could potentially access critical system files, user credentials, or application data that should remain protected. This access could lead to complete system compromise, especially when combined with other vulnerabilities or when the affected software handles sensitive information. Organizations using these specific versions of MilkyStep software face substantial risk of data exposure and potential regulatory penalties if sensitive information is compromised.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-2953 should prioritize immediate software updates to versions that address the identified access control flaws. Organizations must conduct thorough inventory assessments to identify all systems running affected software versions and implement network segmentation to limit potential attack vectors. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which describes improper access control issues in software systems, and may also relate to ATT&CK techniques involving privilege escalation and credential access. Security teams should implement network monitoring to detect anomalous file access patterns and establish incident response procedures specifically addressing unauthorized file reading activities. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing application firewalls, access control lists, and regular security audits to prevent exploitation of similar vulnerabilities. Given that this vulnerability affects software from 2015, the risk assessment should also consider the lack of vendor support and the potential for unpatched systems to remain exposed to additional threats beyond the initial exploit vector.