CVE-2015-5463 in Axiom Java Applet Module
Summary
by MITRE
AxiomSL's Axiom java applet module (used for editing uploaded Excel files and associated Java RMI services) 9.5.3 and earlier allows remote attackers to (1) access data of other basic users through arbitrary SQL commands, (2) perform a horizontal and vertical privilege escalation, (3) cause a Denial of Service on global application, or (4) write/read/delete arbitrary files on server hosting the application.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/21/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-5463 affects AxiomSL's Axiom java applet module version 9.5.3 and earlier, representing a critical security flaw within enterprise document management systems. This vulnerability exists within the Java applet component designed for editing uploaded Excel files and managing associated Java RMI services, creating a dangerous attack surface that compromises multiple security controls. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and insufficient access controls within the application's data handling mechanisms, allowing malicious actors to exploit the system through multiple attack vectors simultaneously.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability manifests through several interconnected attack pathways that collectively represent a severe compromise of the application's security model. Attackers can execute arbitrary SQL commands against the backend database, enabling them to access sensitive data belonging to other basic users through direct database manipulation. This SQL injection vulnerability operates at the application layer, bypassing traditional authentication mechanisms and allowing unauthorized data retrieval. The flaw also facilitates both horizontal and vertical privilege escalation, where attackers can elevate their privileges from basic user accounts to administrative levels, effectively breaking down the application's access control hierarchy. The vulnerability's design allows for remote exploitation without requiring local system access or authentication, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where such applications are commonly deployed.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-5463 extends far beyond simple data theft, encompassing complete system compromise and operational disruption. The ability to cause denial of service attacks against the global application can result in significant business disruption, potentially affecting thousands of users and critical business processes that depend on the document management system. Furthermore, the arbitrary file system access capabilities allow attackers to read, write, and delete files on the server hosting the vulnerable application, potentially leading to complete system compromise. This file system manipulation capability enables attackers to install malicious software, modify system configurations, or exfiltrate sensitive system files, effectively providing a complete backdoor into the target environment.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability should address the root causes through comprehensive input validation and access control enforcement. The primary remediation involves implementing proper parameterized queries to prevent SQL injection attacks, ensuring that all user inputs are properly sanitized and validated before processing. Access control mechanisms must be strengthened to enforce proper authorization checks at every level of the application, preventing privilege escalation attacks. Network segmentation and application firewall rules should be implemented to restrict access to the vulnerable Java RMI services and limit the attack surface. Additionally, regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the application stack. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-89 for SQL injection and CWE-284 for improper access control, while also mapping to ATT&CK techniques including T1078 for valid accounts and T1046 for network service scanning, emphasizing the multi-faceted nature of the threat and the need for comprehensive defensive measures across multiple security domains.