CVE-2015-7935 in MOSCAD IP Gateway
Summary
by MITRE
Motorola Solutions MOSCAD IP Gateway allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/20/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-7935 affects Motorola Solutions MOSCAD IP Gateway devices, representing a critical security flaw that enables remote attackers to access arbitrary files on the affected systems. This issue stems from insufficient input validation and access control mechanisms within the gateway's file handling processes, creating an avenue for unauthorized data retrieval across network boundaries. The vulnerability specifically impacts devices running the MOSCAD IP Gateway software, which serves as a communication interface between various Motorola solutions and external networks. The unspecified vectors suggest that multiple attack pathways may exist, potentially encompassing web-based interfaces, network protocols, or direct system access methods that lack proper authentication checks. Security researchers have identified this as a remote file inclusion or arbitrary file read vulnerability that could allow attackers to extract sensitive configuration files, user credentials, system logs, or other confidential data stored on the affected gateway devices.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the gateway's failure to properly validate user input when processing file requests or system commands. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious requests that bypass normal access controls and directly access file system resources without proper authorization. The flaw likely resides in how the system handles file path parameters or command execution requests, allowing attackers to manipulate input fields to traverse directory structures and access files outside of intended boundaries. This type of vulnerability aligns with common web application security issues such as path traversal attacks and improper access controls, which are categorized under CWE-22 for Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory and CWE-285 for Improper Authorization. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that the MOSCAD IP Gateway typically operates in critical infrastructure environments where unauthorized access could lead to significant operational disruptions or security breaches.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-7935 extends beyond simple data theft, as unauthorized access to gateway systems can enable attackers to gain deeper insights into network architecture, system configurations, and potentially escalate privileges to compromise entire network infrastructures. Organizations relying on Motorola Solutions MOSCAD IP Gateway devices face risks including unauthorized data exfiltration, system reconnaissance, and potential disruption of critical communication services. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers do not require physical access to the devices, making it particularly dangerous for organizations with distributed deployments or those operating in environments where network segmentation is not properly implemented. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to extract system files containing sensitive information such as encryption keys, network configurations, or authentication credentials, potentially enabling further attacks against connected systems. This weakness also provides opportunities for attackers to map network topologies and identify other vulnerable devices within the same network segment, creating a foundation for broader security breaches.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying available vendor patches and firmware updates specifically addressing this vulnerability in their MOSCAD IP Gateway deployments. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be configured to restrict access to gateway devices, limiting exposure to unauthorized networks and implementing strict access controls based on need-to-know principles. Regular security assessments should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities across all network infrastructure components, with particular attention to devices handling sensitive communications or serving as gateways between different network zones. The mitigation strategy should incorporate principle of least privilege access controls, regular file system audits, and monitoring of unusual file access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Security teams should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems capable of identifying suspicious network traffic patterns associated with path traversal attacks and unauthorized file access attempts. Additionally, organizations should review their incident response procedures to ensure preparedness for potential exploitation of this vulnerability, including protocols for rapid patch deployment and system isolation if compromise is detected. This vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date security controls and implementing comprehensive security monitoring across all network infrastructure components to prevent unauthorized access to critical systems.