CVE-2015-8275 in eParakstitajs
Summary
by MITRE
LVRTC eParakstitajs 3.0 (1.3.0) and edoc-libraries-2.5.4_01 allow attackers to write to arbitrary files via crafted EDOC files.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/27/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-8275 affects LVRTC eParakstitajs version 3.0 (1.3.0) and edoc-libraries version 2.5.4_01, representing a critical file system manipulation flaw that enables remote attackers to write arbitrary files to the target system. This vulnerability resides within the document processing functionality of these applications, specifically in how they handle EDOC file formats which are used for electronic document management. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the parsing logic, allowing maliciously crafted EDOC files to bypass normal file handling procedures and execute unauthorized write operations.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of EDOC file structures that contain specially crafted metadata or content fields. When the vulnerable applications process these malicious files, they fail to properly validate the file paths or destination locations specified within the document format, enabling attackers to specify arbitrary file paths for writing operations. This represents a classic case of insecure file handling that aligns with CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, also known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The vulnerability essentially allows attackers to write files anywhere within the application's file system access scope, potentially leading to privilege escalation or persistent backdoor installation.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-8275 extends beyond simple unauthorized file creation, as it provides attackers with the capability to modify critical system files, install malicious software, or establish persistent access points within the target environment. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to overwrite configuration files, inject malicious code into legitimate applications, or create backdoor accounts that maintain access even after system restarts. The vulnerability's severity is amplified by the fact that EDOC files are commonly used in business and government environments for official document processing, making the attack surface particularly valuable for adversaries seeking to compromise sensitive organizational data. This vulnerability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1059, which involves executing malicious code through compromised applications, and T1078, which focuses on legitimate credentials and privileges for persistence.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-8275 should prioritize immediate patching of affected software versions, as the vendor has likely released security updates addressing this specific vulnerability. Organizations should implement strict file validation measures including input sanitization, path normalization, and access control restrictions to prevent unauthorized file system operations. Network segmentation and application whitelisting can provide additional defense layers by limiting the potential attack surface and preventing unauthorized execution of vulnerable applications. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other document processing systems, as the underlying flaw pattern suggests potential for similar issues in related software components. System administrators should also monitor file system access logs for suspicious write operations and implement automated alerting mechanisms to detect potential exploitation attempts.