CVE-2015-4548 in RSA Web Threat Detection
Summary
by MITRE
EMC RSA Web Threat Detection before 5.1 SP1 allows local users to obtain root privileges by leveraging access to a service account and writing commands to a service configuration file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/07/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-4548 affects EMC RSA Web Threat Detection versions prior to 5.1 SP1, presenting a critical privilege escalation flaw that enables local attackers to achieve root-level system access. This vulnerability stems from inadequate security controls within the service configuration management process, specifically exploiting the trust relationship between service accounts and configuration files. The flaw demonstrates a classic path escalation pattern where legitimate service account credentials are leveraged to manipulate system-level configuration elements, ultimately resulting in unauthorized administrative privileges.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a combination of insufficient input validation and improper privilege separation mechanisms. When service accounts maintain write access to critical configuration files, attackers can inject malicious commands or modify existing configurations to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges. This represents a fundamental breakdown in the principle of least privilege, where service accounts possess more permissions than necessary for their operational functions. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-276, which addresses improper privilege management, and specifically relates to CWE-78, concerning OS command injection through insecure configuration file handling.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-4548 extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it provides attackers with complete system control and potential lateral movement capabilities within network environments. Once root privileges are obtained, adversaries can manipulate system logs, install persistent backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, or establish footholds for further attacks. The vulnerability's exploitation requires local access and existing service account credentials, making it particularly dangerous in environments where service accounts maintain elevated privileges or where credential compromise occurs through other attack vectors. This weakness creates a persistent threat that can be leveraged for extended periods without detection, as the compromised service account credentials may not trigger immediate security alerts.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including updating to EMC RSA Web Threat Detection 5.1 SP1 or later versions, which address the privilege escalation vulnerability through proper configuration file access controls and privilege separation mechanisms. System administrators should review and restrict service account permissions, ensuring that service accounts maintain only the minimum necessary privileges for their intended functions. Additional defensive measures include implementing file integrity monitoring solutions to detect unauthorized modifications to critical configuration files, establishing strict access controls for service account credentials, and conducting regular security audits of service configurations. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of following ATT&CK framework techniques such as privilege escalation and persistence, where attackers can leverage misconfigured service accounts to establish long-term system control. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and monitoring to detect anomalous behavior associated with service account usage and configuration file modifications.