CVE-2015-6459 in Digital Energy MDS PulseNET
Summary
by MITRE
Absolute path traversal vulnerability in the download feature in FileDownloadServlet in GE Digital Energy MDS PulseNET and MDS PulseNET Enterprise before 3.1.5 allows remote attackers to read or delete arbitrary files via a full pathname.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/26/2017
The CVE-2015-6459 vulnerability represents a critical absolute path traversal flaw within the FileDownloadServlet component of GE Digital Energy's MDS PulseNET and MDS PulseNET Enterprise software platforms. This vulnerability specifically affects versions prior to 3.1.5 and exposes a fundamental security weakness in how the system handles file download requests. The flaw exists in the download feature implementation where the application fails to properly validate or sanitize user-supplied input that contains full pathnames, creating an opportunity for malicious actors to manipulate the file access mechanism. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it enables remote attackers to perform unauthorized file operations without authentication, potentially leading to data breaches, system compromise, and unauthorized access to sensitive information.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of pathname parameters in file download requests. When a user submits a request to download a file through the vulnerable servlet, the system processes the supplied pathname without adequate validation mechanisms. This lack of input sanitization allows attackers to provide absolute paths that point to system files outside the intended download directory. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation and insufficient access control measures within the servlet's file handling logic, creating a direct path traversal condition that can be exploited from remote locations. Attackers can leverage this weakness to read arbitrary files from the system filesystem, potentially accessing configuration files, database credentials, application source code, or other sensitive data stored on the server.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-6459 extends beyond simple unauthorized file access to encompass potential system compromise and data exfiltration. Remote attackers can exploit this vulnerability to access critical system files, application configuration data, and potentially sensitive user information stored within the application's file structure. The ability to delete arbitrary files introduces additional risk, as attackers could potentially disrupt system operations by removing critical components or application files. This vulnerability affects industrial control systems and energy management platforms, making it particularly dangerous in environments where system integrity and data confidentiality are paramount. The remote nature of the exploitation means that attackers do not require physical access to the system, significantly expanding the attack surface and potential impact.
Organizations using affected GE Digital Energy MDS PulseNET and MDS PulseNET Enterprise systems should prioritize immediate remediation through the available security patches and updates. The recommended mitigation strategy involves upgrading to version 3.1.5 or later, which includes proper input validation and path sanitization measures to prevent absolute path traversal attacks. System administrators should also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure, while monitoring for suspicious file access patterns and unauthorized download attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, and can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1074.001 for data staging through file system access. Additional defensive measures include implementing web application firewalls, conducting regular security assessments, and establishing robust file access controls to prevent unauthorized file operations. Organizations should also review their system logging and monitoring capabilities to detect and respond to potential exploitation attempts.