CVE-2015-4032 in NetCharts Server
Summary
by MITRE
projectContents.jsp in the Developer tools in Visual Mining NetCharts Server allows remote attackers to rename arbitrary files, and consequently execute them, via unspecified vectors.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/02/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-4032 resides within the Developer tools of Visual Mining NetCharts Server, specifically in the projectContents.jsp component. This flaw represents a critical path traversal and arbitrary file manipulation vulnerability that enables remote attackers to rename and subsequently execute files on the target system. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and inadequate access controls within the web application's file management functionality. Attackers can exploit this weakness to manipulate the application's file system through unspecified vectors, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the manipulation of file naming operations within the Developer tools interface. When the projectContents.jsp component processes user input related to file renaming operations, it fails to properly validate or sanitize the input parameters. This lack of proper input sanitization creates an opportunity for attackers to craft malicious requests that can rename existing files to arbitrary names or locations. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it allows attackers to rename files that may contain executable code, effectively enabling code execution capabilities without proper authentication or authorization. This type of vulnerability maps to CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, and CWE-73, which addresses external control of file name or path.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-4032 extends beyond simple file manipulation to encompass potential system compromise and data exfiltration. Remote attackers who successfully exploit this vulnerability can rename critical system files to include malicious payloads, potentially leading to privilege escalation or persistent backdoor access. The attack surface is particularly dangerous because it operates within the Developer tools context, which often runs with elevated privileges or has broader system access than typical user interfaces. This vulnerability can be leveraged as a stepping stone for more extensive attacks within the network infrastructure, especially when the NetCharts Server operates in enterprise environments where developers may have elevated system access rights.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-4032 should focus on implementing robust input validation and access control measures within the application's file management components. Organizations should ensure that all user-supplied input is properly validated and sanitized before processing, particularly when dealing with file operations and path manipulation. The implementation of principle of least privilege should be enforced, limiting the file system access permissions for the Developer tools components. Additionally, network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to restrict access to the Developer tools interface from untrusted networks. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of regular security assessments and code reviews focusing on file handling operations, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and script interpreter and T1078.004 for valid accounts. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious file manipulation activities and prevent exploitation attempts.