CVE-2015-4286 in UCS Central Software
Summary
by MITRE
The web framework in Cisco UCS Central Software 1.3(0.99) allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a crafted HTTP request, aka Bug ID CSCuu41377.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/07/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-4286 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within Cisco UCS Central Software version 1.3(0.99) web framework. This security weakness enables remote attackers to access arbitrary files on the affected system through carefully crafted HTTP requests, potentially exposing sensitive data and system information. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and improper handling of file path parameters within the web application's request processing logic. Attackers can exploit this issue by constructing malicious HTTP requests that manipulate file path traversal sequences, allowing them to bypass normal access controls and retrieve files from the server's file system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. This flaw occurs when user-supplied input is directly incorporated into file system operations without adequate sanitization or validation. The web framework in Cisco UCS Central Software fails to properly validate and sanitize the file path parameters received through HTTP requests, creating an opportunity for attackers to manipulate the application's file access behavior. The vulnerability specifically affects the software's ability to properly handle relative path references and directory traversal sequences that should be restricted or filtered.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-4286 extends beyond simple unauthorized file access, as it can potentially lead to complete system compromise and data exfiltration. Attackers who successfully exploit this vulnerability can access sensitive configuration files, log files, and potentially system credentials that may be stored in accessible locations. The remote nature of this attack means that exploitation does not require physical access to the system, making it particularly dangerous for networked environments. Organizations using Cisco UCS Central Software version 1.3(0.99) face significant risk of unauthorized data access, system reconnaissance, and potential escalation to full system compromise, especially when the affected software is deployed in enterprise environments with sensitive infrastructure data.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-4286 should prioritize immediate patching of affected Cisco UCS Central Software installations to the latest available version that addresses this vulnerability. Organizations should also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of the affected software to untrusted networks. The implementation of web application firewalls and intrusion prevention systems can help detect and block malicious HTTP requests attempting to exploit this vulnerability. Additionally, security administrators should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify all instances of the affected software within their environment and ensure proper input validation is implemented in all web applications. Regular security monitoring and log analysis should be enhanced to detect unusual file access patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of following secure coding practices such as input validation, proper error handling, and implementing principle of least privilege access controls to prevent similar issues in the future.