CVE-2015-7270 in iDRAC6
Summary
by MITRE
Dell Integrated Remote Access Controller (iDRAC) 6 before 2.80 and 7/8 before 2.21.21.21 allows directory traversal.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/01/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-7270 affects Dell Integrated Remote Access Controller (iDRAC) versions 6 before 2.80 and 7/8 before 2.21.21.21, representing a critical directory traversal flaw that enables unauthorized access to sensitive system files and directories. This vulnerability resides within the web interface of the iDRAC management system, which is commonly deployed in enterprise data centers and server environments for remote administration and monitoring purposes. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation and improper access controls within the web application's file handling mechanisms, allowing malicious actors to manipulate file path parameters and access restricted system resources.
The technical implementation of this directory traversal vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of file path parameters within the iDRAC web interface. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting specific URL requests that include directory traversal sequences such as ../ or ..\, which bypass normal access controls and allow retrieval of arbitrary files from the underlying operating system. This vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-22, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The flaw enables attackers to access sensitive configuration files, system logs, authentication credentials, and other confidential data that should remain protected within the server's restricted file system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with the capability to escalate privileges and potentially gain full administrative control over the affected systems. Remote attackers can leverage this vulnerability to extract critical system information, including user credentials stored in configuration files, system binaries, and other sensitive artifacts that may reveal network architecture details or authentication mechanisms. The attack surface is particularly concerning for enterprise environments where iDRAC systems are deployed, as these controllers often maintain elevated privileges and provide access to critical infrastructure components. This vulnerability can be exploited by attackers without requiring authentication to the iDRAC interface itself, making it particularly dangerous in environments where physical security is inadequate or where unauthorized personnel might gain access to network resources.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-7270 should include immediate implementation of firmware updates provided by Dell to address the directory traversal vulnerability in affected iDRAC versions. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to isolate iDRAC management interfaces from general network traffic, utilizing firewalls to restrict access to specific IP addresses or ranges that require administrative access. Additional protective measures include disabling unnecessary remote management features when not actively required, implementing strong access controls and authentication mechanisms, and monitoring network traffic for suspicious directory traversal attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and access control implementation within web applications, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1078 for valid accounts and T1566 for credential access through exploitation of system vulnerabilities. Organizations should also consider implementing network intrusion detection systems that can identify and alert on directory traversal attempts, as well as conducting regular security assessments to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in other management interfaces and web applications.