CVE-2015-3446 in Unified Security Management
Summary
by MITRE
The Framework Daemon in AlienVault Unified Security Management before 4.15 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary Python code via a crafted plugin configuration file (.cfg).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/28/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-3446 represents a critical remote code execution flaw within the Framework Daemon component of AlienVault Unified Security Management systems. This issue affects versions prior to 4.15 and stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the plugin configuration file processing functionality. The vulnerability specifically targets the .cfg file extension used for plugin configurations, creating an attack vector that enables remote adversaries to inject and execute arbitrary Python code on affected systems.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs through the improper handling of plugin configuration files during the Framework Daemon's processing cycle. When the system encounters a crafted .cfg file, the daemon fails to properly sanitize or validate the input content before executing any code contained within the file. This lack of input validation creates a classic code injection scenario where attacker-controlled data can be interpreted and executed as legitimate code. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the daemon level, providing attackers with elevated privileges and system-level access.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risk to organizations utilizing AlienVault Unified Security Management platforms. Remote attackers can leverage this flaw to gain complete control over affected systems without requiring authentication credentials, making it an attractive target for malicious actors. The impact extends beyond individual system compromise to potentially enable lateral movement within networks, data exfiltration, and establishment of persistent backdoors. Organizations relying on AlienVault for security monitoring and threat detection face the risk of their security infrastructure being subverted, potentially leading to undetected compromise of their entire security ecosystem.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-94, which describes "Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')" and corresponds to ATT&CK technique T1059.006 for Python execution. This classification indicates that the flaw represents a code injection vulnerability that allows adversaries to execute commands through Python interpreters. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that the Framework Daemon typically runs with elevated privileges, potentially enabling attackers to execute code with system-level permissions. Organizations should consider this vulnerability as part of a broader attack chain that could lead to complete system compromise and data breaches.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-3446 should prioritize immediate patching of affected AlienVault Unified Security Management installations to version 4.15 or later. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit exposure of the Framework Daemon to untrusted networks. Additionally, organizations should monitor for suspicious plugin configuration file modifications and implement file integrity monitoring solutions. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should verify that the patch has been properly applied and that no other related vulnerabilities exist within the platform. The remediation process should also include reviewing and hardening the configuration management practices to prevent unauthorized modification of plugin configuration files.