CVE-2015-7913 in AggreGate
Summary
by MITRE
ag_server_service.exe in the AggreGate Server Service in Tibbo AggreGate before 5.30.06 allows local users to execute arbitrary Java code with SYSTEM privileges by using the Apache Axis AdminService deployment method to publish a class.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/19/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-7913 represents a critical local privilege escalation flaw within the Tibbo AggreGate Server Service software. This vulnerability specifically affects versions prior to 5.30.06 and manifests through the ag_server_service.exe component that handles the AggreGate Server Service functionality. The issue arises from improper input validation and privilege handling within the service's deployment mechanisms, creating a pathway for local attackers to execute arbitrary Java code with elevated SYSTEM privileges.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability leverages the Apache Axis AdminService deployment method as a vector for code execution. Attackers can publish malicious Java classes through this mechanism, effectively bypassing normal security restrictions that would typically prevent local users from executing code with system-level privileges. This technique exploits the service's trust in its own deployment processes and fails to properly validate or sanitize the class files being published, creating an attack surface that allows arbitrary code execution within the context of the highest available privileges.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it enables local attackers to gain SYSTEM-level access to the target system, potentially allowing them to escalate their privileges beyond what would normally be possible. Once executed, the malicious Java code can perform any action that the SYSTEM account is authorized to perform, including modifying system files, creating new user accounts, installing additional malware, or accessing sensitive data. The vulnerability essentially provides a backdoor mechanism for attackers to achieve complete system compromise without requiring remote access or additional exploitation techniques.
This vulnerability maps to CWE-74 and CWE-78 within the Common Weakness Enumeration framework, representing weaknesses in input validation and command injection that enable arbitrary code execution. From an ATT&CK perspective, this vulnerability corresponds to privilege escalation techniques and specifically relates to T1068 (Local Privilege Escalation) and T1106 (Execution through API) where attackers can leverage legitimate system services to execute malicious code. The attack chain typically involves local access to the system, followed by exploitation of the Axis AdminService deployment functionality to publish and execute malicious Java classes with elevated privileges.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-7913 primarily focus on updating to Tibbo AggreGate version 5.30.06 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the vulnerability. Organizations should also implement principle of least privilege controls, ensuring that the AggreGate Server Service runs with minimal required privileges rather than SYSTEM level access. Network segmentation and access controls should limit local system access to only authorized personnel, while regular security audits should monitor for unauthorized deployment activities within the service environment. Additionally, implementing application whitelisting policies can prevent execution of unauthorized Java classes, and monitoring for suspicious Axis AdminService usage patterns can help detect potential exploitation attempts.