CVE-2015-7840 in Log
Summary
by MITRE
The command line management console (CMC) in SolarWinds Log and Event Manager (LEM) before 6.2.0 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via unspecified vectors involving the ping feature.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/22/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-7840 affects the SolarWinds Log and Event Manager (LEM) platform, specifically targeting the Command Line Management Console (CMC) component. This critical security flaw exists in versions prior to 6.2.0 and represents a remote code execution vulnerability that could be exploited by unauthorized attackers without requiring authentication. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it leverages the ping feature within the CMC, which serves as a legitimate administrative tool but becomes a vector for malicious code execution. The unspecified nature of the attack vectors suggests that multiple pathways could be exploited, making the vulnerability more dangerous and harder to predict. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of remote code execution flaws that can lead to complete system compromise, allowing attackers to gain full control over affected systems and potentially escalate their access to network-wide operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the ping functionality of the CMC. When administrators or attackers utilize the ping feature to test network connectivity, the system processes user-supplied parameters without adequate verification of their contents. This allows malicious actors to inject arbitrary commands that get executed within the context of the CMC process, which typically runs with elevated privileges. The vulnerability can be classified as a command injection flaw, specifically aligning with CWE-77 and CWE-88 categories that address improper neutralization of special elements used in command execution. The attack surface is widened by the fact that the CMC operates with administrative privileges, meaning successful exploitation could result in complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and potential lateral movement within the network infrastructure.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond immediate system compromise to encompass significant business continuity risks and regulatory compliance violations. Organizations utilizing SolarWinds LEM systems would face potential data breaches, system downtime, and reputational damage when this vulnerability is exploited. The remote nature of the attack means that adversaries could exploit the vulnerability from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access to the network, making it particularly dangerous for organizations with limited network monitoring capabilities. The vulnerability also presents challenges for incident response teams as the attack may not be immediately detectable through standard network monitoring tools, since the malicious commands could be executed through legitimate administrative functions. This type of vulnerability is often categorized under the MITRE ATT&CK framework as a technique for privilege escalation and execution through legitimate system tools, making it harder to distinguish from authorized administrative activities.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-7840 should prioritize immediate patching of affected SolarWinds LEM installations to version 6.2.0 or later, which contains the necessary security fixes. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to isolate the LEM systems from critical network segments and restrict access to the CMC through firewall rules and network access controls. Additional defensive measures include disabling the ping feature in the CMC when it is not actively required for administrative purposes, implementing network monitoring to detect unusual command execution patterns, and conducting thorough network audits to identify any potential exploitation attempts. Security teams should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies to prevent unauthorized code execution, as well as establishing comprehensive logging and monitoring of administrative activities within the LEM environment. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of keeping third-party software updated and maintaining robust security practices for operational technology systems that handle sensitive network data.