CVE-2015-7254 in HG532e
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability on Huawei HG532e, HG532n, and HG532s devices allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in an icon/ URI.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/01/2025
The CVE-2015-7254 vulnerability represents a critical directory traversal flaw affecting Huawei HG532e, HG532n, and HG532s broadband access devices. This vulnerability resides in the web interface of these devices and stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the icon/ URI handling component. The flaw allows remote attackers to exploit the device's file system access controls by manipulating URI paths through the use of double dot sequences that traverse up directory levels. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-22 as a directory traversal attack, which is a well-documented weakness in web application security where user-supplied input is not properly sanitized before being used to access files or directories.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a malicious URI request containing directory traversal sequences such as ..%2F or similar encoded variations that bypass the device's path validation. When the affected Huawei devices process these requests, they fail to properly sanitize the input, allowing the attacker to navigate to arbitrary directories within the device's file system. This can potentially lead to unauthorized access to sensitive system files, configuration data, and potentially even firmware components that should remain protected from external access. The vulnerability specifically affects the web management interface of these devices, making it accessible to remote attackers without requiring physical access or authentication credentials.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-7254 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to gain deeper insights into the device's internal structure and potentially extract confidential information. Attackers might access system configuration files, user credentials stored in plaintext, or other sensitive data that could be leveraged for further attacks. The vulnerability represents a significant risk to network security as it allows unauthorized access to network infrastructure devices that are often considered trusted components within home and small office networks. This weakness can be particularly dangerous in environments where these devices serve as gateways to larger networks, as it provides a potential entry point for attackers to escalate their privileges and move laterally within the network.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-7254 should include immediate firmware updates from Huawei to address the directory traversal vulnerability, as well as network segmentation to limit access to these devices. Organizations should implement proper network access controls and consider disabling unnecessary web interfaces on these devices when not actively required for management purposes. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1213.002 for credential access and T1083 for file and directory discovery, indicating that exploitation could lead to broader compromise activities. Network administrators should also consider implementing web application firewalls and monitoring for suspicious URI patterns that might indicate attempted exploitation of this vulnerability. Given the nature of the flaw, it is essential to validate all user input and implement proper path sanitization mechanisms to prevent similar issues in other network infrastructure components.