CVE-2015-4684 in RealPresence Resource Manager
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple directory traversal vulnerabilities in Polycom RealPresence Resource Manager (aka RPRM) before 8.4 allow (1) remote authenticated users to read arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the Modifier parameter to PlcmRmWeb/FileDownload; or remote authenticated administrators to upload arbitrary files via the (2) Filename or (3) SE_FNAME parameter to PlcmRmWeb/FileUpload or to read and remove arbitrary files via the (4) filePathName parameter in an importSipUriReservations SOAP request to PlcmRmWeb/JUserManager.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/05/2024
The CVE-2015-4684 vulnerability represents a critical directory traversal flaw in Polycom RealPresence Resource Manager version 8.3 and earlier, exposing multiple attack vectors that can be exploited by authenticated users to gain unauthorized access to sensitive system resources. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-22 category of Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory, commonly known as Path Traversal or Directory Traversal, which is a fundamental security weakness that allows attackers to access files and directories outside the intended scope of the application. The vulnerability affects the web-based management interface of the Polycom RPRM system, specifically targeting four distinct endpoints that handle file operations and user management functions.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through manipulation of specific parameters within the Polycom RPRM web interface. Attackers can leverage the Modifier parameter in the PlcmRmWeb/FileDownload endpoint to perform directory traversal attacks, allowing them to read arbitrary files from the server filesystem. Additionally, the vulnerability extends to file upload operations through the Filename and SE_FNAME parameters in the PlcmRmWeb/FileUpload endpoint, enabling attackers to upload malicious files to arbitrary locations on the server. The fourth attack vector involves the filePathName parameter within the importSipUriReservations SOAP request to PlcmRmWeb/JUserManager, which allows for both file reading and removal operations. These attack vectors collectively demonstrate a sophisticated exploitation chain that can lead to complete system compromise through unauthorized file access, arbitrary code execution, and potential privilege escalation.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-4684 is severe and multifaceted, as it enables authenticated attackers to access sensitive system information, including configuration files, user credentials, and potentially system binaries. The ability to upload arbitrary files through the vulnerable upload endpoints could allow attackers to deploy web shells or other malicious payloads, leading to persistent access and further compromise of the network infrastructure. The file reading capabilities expose potential for data exfiltration and system reconnaissance, while the file removal functionality could be used to destroy critical system files or disable security controls. These vulnerabilities are particularly dangerous because they require only authenticated access, meaning that any user with valid credentials can exploit these flaws, potentially leading to insider threat scenarios or compromised accounts. The attack surface is further expanded by the fact that these vulnerabilities affect both regular users and administrators, making the exploitation more likely and the potential damage more significant.
Organizations affected by CVE-2015-4684 should implement immediate mitigations including patching to version 8.4 or later, which addresses the directory traversal vulnerabilities through proper input validation and sanitization. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit access to the affected web interface, while monitoring should be enabled to detect suspicious file operations and unauthorized access attempts. The principle of least privilege should be enforced, ensuring that users only have access to the minimum required functionality. Additionally, regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify similar issues in other systems and applications, as directory traversal vulnerabilities are common across many platforms and are frequently exploited in real-world attacks. This vulnerability aligns with several ATT&CK techniques including T1059 for command and scripting interpreter and T1078 for valid accounts, as it leverages authenticated access to escalate privileges and gain unauthorized access to system resources.