CVE-2015-8151 in Encryption Management Server
Summary
by MITRE
Symantec Encryption Management Server (SEMS) 3.3.2 before MP12 allows remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary OS commands by leveraging console administrator access.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/08/2022
The Symantec Encryption Management Server version 3.3.2 before MP12 contains a critical command injection vulnerability that enables remote authenticated attackers with console administrator privileges to execute arbitrary operating system commands on the underlying server. This vulnerability represents a significant security flaw in the enterprise encryption management platform that could allow attackers to escalate their privileges and gain complete control over the affected system. The vulnerability specifically targets the console administration interface where legitimate administrators can perform various management functions, but the improper input validation in this component creates an avenue for malicious command execution.
This vulnerability falls under the CWE-77 command injection category, which is classified as a critical weakness in software applications that fail to properly sanitize user inputs before executing system commands. The flaw exists in the server's handling of administrative console inputs where user-supplied data is directly incorporated into operating system commands without adequate sanitization or validation. Attackers can exploit this by crafting specially formatted inputs that contain malicious command sequences, which are then executed with the privileges of the console administrator account. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires only authenticated access to the console administration interface, which is often less protected than other system components.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple command execution, as it provides attackers with complete system compromise capabilities. An attacker with console administrator access can leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges, install backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, or disrupt encryption services that are critical to enterprise security operations. The affected Symantec Encryption Management Server typically handles sensitive cryptographic keys and encryption policies, making it a prime target for adversaries seeking to undermine enterprise security infrastructure. This vulnerability directly impacts the CIA triad by potentially compromising confidentiality through data exfiltration, integrity through unauthorized modifications, and availability through service disruption or system compromise.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the latest security patches from Symantec, restricting console administrator access to only essential personnel, implementing network segmentation to isolate the SEMS, and monitoring for suspicious administrative activities. The vulnerability aligns with several ATT&CK techniques including privilege escalation and execution through command and scripting interpreters, making it a significant concern for organizations that rely on Symantec's encryption management solutions. Security teams should also consider implementing additional controls such as multi-factor authentication for administrative access, regular security audits of administrative interfaces, and network monitoring to detect unusual command execution patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Given the severity of this vulnerability, organizations should prioritize patch management and access control reviews as part of their overall cybersecurity posture assessment.