CVE-2015-6555 in Endpoint Protection Manager
Summary
by MITRE
Symantec Endpoint Protection Manager (SEPM) 12.1 before 12.1-RU6-MP3 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary Java code by connecting to the console Java port.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/27/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-6555 affects Symantec Endpoint Protection Manager version 12.1 prior to 12.1-RU6-MP3, representing a critical remote code execution flaw that enables attackers to gain unauthorized access to affected systems. This vulnerability specifically targets the console Java port, which serves as a communication endpoint for managing and configuring the SEPM console interface. The flaw arises from insufficient input validation and authentication mechanisms within the Java-based console component, creating an attack vector that can be exploited without requiring prior authentication credentials. The affected system architecture exposes a Java service that listens on a specific network port, making it accessible to remote adversaries who can leverage this exposure to inject and execute malicious Java bytecode within the context of the SEPM console process.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability involves establishing a connection to the console Java port and transmitting specially crafted Java code that bypasses existing security controls. This flaw falls under the category of insecure deserialization and remote code execution vulnerabilities, with direct implications to CWE-502 which describes the weakness of deserializing untrusted data. The vulnerability enables attackers to execute arbitrary commands with the privileges of the SEPM console process, potentially leading to complete system compromise. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to deploy malware, establish persistent backdoors, or conduct further lateral movement within the network infrastructure. The Java-based nature of the vulnerability also introduces additional risks related to the Java Virtual Machine and its associated security model, where successful exploitation can bypass traditional operating system security boundaries.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-6555 extends beyond immediate system compromise to encompass broader enterprise security implications. Organizations utilizing affected SEPM versions face significant risk of unauthorized access to endpoint protection policies, configuration data, and sensitive network information. The vulnerability can facilitate advanced persistent threats where attackers establish covert communication channels and maintain long-term access to the protected environment. Network administrators and security teams may experience disruption of legitimate console operations as malicious actors exploit this vulnerability to manipulate endpoint protection settings. The attack surface is particularly concerning for organizations with large endpoint footprints, as successful exploitation can enable attackers to modify security policies, disable protection mechanisms, or redirect endpoint communications to malicious infrastructure. This vulnerability also creates opportunities for attackers to leverage the SEPM console as a pivot point for attacking other network segments that may not be directly exposed to the internet.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-6555 should prioritize immediate patch deployment to upgrade affected SEPM installations to version 12.1-RU6-MP3 or later, which contains the necessary security fixes. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to restrict access to the console Java port, limiting connections to trusted administrative workstations only. Organizations should also consider disabling unnecessary Java-based services and implementing strict access controls for console administrative functions. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 which covers the use of Java for executing commands, making it essential for security teams to monitor for suspicious Java process activity and network connections to the affected port. Additionally, implementing network intrusion detection systems with signature-based detection for known exploit patterns and conducting comprehensive security assessments of all endpoint protection infrastructure are recommended practices to prevent exploitation of this and similar vulnerabilities.