CVE-2015-7677 in MOVEit DMZ
Summary
by MITRE
The MOVEitISAPI service in Ipswitch MOVEit DMZ before 8.2 provides different error messages depending on whether a FileID exists, which allows remote authenticated users to enumerate FileIDs via the X-siLock-FileID parameter in a download action to MOVEitISAPI/MOVEitISAPI.dll.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/07/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-7677 resides within the MOVEitISAPI service component of Ipswitch MOVEit DMZ software versions prior to 8.2. This flaw manifests in the service's inconsistent error handling behavior when processing file identification requests through the X-siLock-FileID parameter during download operations. The service operates as an internet information services (IIS) extension that facilitates file transfer capabilities within the MOVEit DMZ environment, which is designed for secure file exchange between organizations and external parties. The vulnerability specifically affects the authentication and authorization mechanisms that govern file access within this secure file transfer system.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from the service's differential error messaging approach. When a remote authenticated user submits a request containing the X-siLock-FileID parameter to the MOVEitISAPI.dll endpoint, the system responds with different error messages based on whether the specified FileID exists within the system's file repository. This behavior creates a predictable pattern that adversaries can exploit to determine the existence of specific files without proper authorization. The flaw represents a classic information disclosure vulnerability where system behavior reveals sensitive information about the underlying file structure, effectively creating a directory traversal attack vector through error code analysis.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it enables authenticated attackers to perform systematic enumeration of files within the MOVEit DMZ system. By repeatedly submitting various FileID values and analyzing the responses, an attacker can construct a comprehensive map of available files, potentially identifying sensitive documents, system files, or other valuable assets. This enumeration capability significantly undermines the security model of the system, as it allows for targeted attacks against specific files rather than random guessing. The vulnerability particularly affects organizations that rely on MOVEit DMZ for handling confidential data exchanges, as it provides attackers with intelligence for more sophisticated attacks including data exfiltration and further exploitation of other system components.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which addresses information exposure through error messages, and represents a clear violation of the principle of least privilege and secure error handling practices. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving reconnaissance and credential access, specifically the enumeration of system resources and information gathering activities. Organizations utilizing MOVEit DMZ should consider this vulnerability as part of a broader attack surface assessment, particularly in environments where the system handles sensitive or regulated data. The flaw demonstrates the importance of consistent error handling and the need for robust input validation in web service implementations. Mitigation efforts should focus on implementing uniform error responses that do not reveal system-specific information, updating to MOVEit DMZ version 8.2 or later, and conducting thorough security assessments of file transfer systems to identify similar information disclosure vulnerabilities.
The remediation approach for this vulnerability requires immediate patching of the MOVEit DMZ software to version 8.2 or higher, which contains the necessary fixes to standardize error responses. Organizations should also implement additional security controls such as rate limiting on file enumeration requests, monitoring for suspicious patterns in system logs, and comprehensive access controls to limit the scope of authenticated users who can perform file operations. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be reviewed to restrict access to the MOVEitISAPI service, particularly for users who do not require direct file access capabilities. Security teams should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems capable of identifying and alerting on patterns consistent with file enumeration activities, as these attacks often precede more significant breaches.