CVE-2015-2997 in Help Desk
Summary
by MITRE
SysAid Help Desk before 15.2 allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information via an invalid value in the accountid parameter to getAgentLogFile, as demonstrated by a large directory traversal sequence, which reveals the installation path in an error message.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/14/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-2997 affects SysAid Help Desk software versions prior to 15.2, presenting a critical information disclosure risk that stems from inadequate input validation within the getAgentLogFile function. This flaw specifically manifests when an attacker submits an invalid accountid parameter value to the getAgentLogFile endpoint, enabling them to manipulate the directory traversal sequence and extract sensitive system information. The vulnerability operates through a classic path traversal attack vector where malformed input is not properly sanitized or validated before being processed by the application's file handling mechanisms. The error message generated by the system inadvertently reveals the complete installation path of the software, providing attackers with crucial system architecture information that can be leveraged for subsequent exploitation attempts.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which catalogs improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious accountid parameter values that include sequences such as ../ or ..\ that bypass normal input validation checks. When the application processes these malformed inputs, it fails to properly sanitize the data before using it in file system operations, resulting in the exposure of the installation path within error messages. This type of vulnerability represents a fundamental flaw in the application's security architecture, where input validation occurs too late in the processing pipeline or not at all, allowing malicious payloads to propagate through the system unchecked. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that it requires minimal privileges to exploit, as it does not require authentication or elevated system access to trigger the information disclosure.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-2997 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the revealed installation path provides attackers with critical reconnaissance data that can be used to plan more sophisticated attacks against the SysAid system. The exposure of the installation path enables attackers to understand the software's directory structure, which may reveal the presence of other sensitive files, backup locations, or configuration files that could contain additional credentials or system information. This vulnerability can be categorized under the MITRE ATT&CK framework as part of the Credential Access and Discovery tactics, where attackers gather information about the system to identify potential attack vectors and targets. The vulnerability's exploitation can serve as a foundational step in a broader attack chain, where the disclosed information enables attackers to craft more targeted attacks against specific system components or to bypass security controls that might be configured in predictable locations.
The remediation approach for this vulnerability requires immediate implementation of input validation and sanitization measures within the getAgentLogFile function. Organizations should implement strict parameter validation that rejects any input containing directory traversal sequences or other malicious patterns before they can be processed by the application. The solution should include comprehensive filtering of the accountid parameter to ensure that only valid, expected values are accepted, with all other inputs being rejected or sanitized. Additionally, the application should be configured to suppress detailed error messages that reveal system paths, instead providing generic error responses that do not disclose sensitive information. The implementation of proper access controls and the principle of least privilege should also be enforced, ensuring that even if the vulnerability is exploited, the attacker's access remains limited. System administrators should also implement monitoring and logging controls to detect and alert on suspicious parameter values being submitted to the getAgentLogFile endpoint, enabling rapid response to potential exploitation attempts and providing forensic data for incident analysis.