CVE-2015-5353 in OS Elche
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in Novius OS 5.0.1 (Elche) allows remote attackers to include and execute arbitrary local files via a .. (dot dot) in the tab parameter to admin/.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/26/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-5353 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within Novius OS version 5.0.1, specifically affecting the administrative interface. This issue stems from insufficient input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize user-supplied parameters before processing them within the application's file inclusion routines. The vulnerability manifests when an attacker manipulates the tab parameter through the admin/ endpoint, exploiting the system's inability to properly restrict file access paths. The use of .. (dot dot) sequences in the tab parameter enables attackers to navigate beyond the intended directory boundaries and access arbitrary local files on the server filesystem. This type of vulnerability directly maps to CWE-22, which defines improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The flaw exists at the application layer where user input is directly incorporated into file system operations without adequate sanitization or validation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file disclosure to encompass full system compromise capabilities. Remote attackers can leverage this directory traversal vulnerability to include and execute arbitrary local files, potentially gaining unauthorized access to sensitive system resources, configuration files, database credentials, or application source code. The administrative interface serves as a high-value target since it typically operates with elevated privileges, making successful exploitation potentially catastrophic for the entire system. Attackers could use this vulnerability to escalate privileges, establish persistent backdoors, or extract confidential information from the server. The vulnerability's remote nature eliminates the need for physical access or local system compromise, making it particularly dangerous in networked environments. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability aligns with T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter and T1566 for phishing with malicious attachments, as attackers can leverage the compromised system to execute further malicious payloads.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-5353 must address both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements to prevent similar vulnerabilities. The most effective immediate solution involves implementing proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms that reject or normalize directory traversal sequences in all user-supplied parameters. Applications should employ whitelist-based validation approaches that only permit predefined, safe values for the tab parameter rather than attempting to filter out dangerous patterns. Additionally, the system should operate with minimal required privileges, ensuring that the administrative interface runs with the principle of least privilege. Implementing proper file access controls and using secure coding practices such as absolute path resolution and input normalization can significantly reduce the attack surface. Organizations should also deploy web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious directory traversal patterns in real-time. The vulnerability highlights the importance of regular security assessments and code reviews focusing on file handling operations, particularly within administrative interfaces where privilege escalation risks are highest. Compliance with security standards such as OWASP Top Ten and NIST guidelines requires implementing robust input validation controls to prevent such path traversal vulnerabilities from compromising system integrity.