CVE-2015-9246 in Skybox
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered in Skybox Platform before 7.5.401. Remote Unauthenticated Code Execution exists via a WAR archive containing a JSP file. The WAR file is sent to /skyboxview-softwareupdate/services/CollectorSoftwareUpdate and the JSP file is reached at /opt/skyboxview/thirdparty/jboss/server/web/work/jboss.web/localhost.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/22/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-9246 represents a critical remote code execution flaw within the Skybox Platform software ecosystem. This vulnerability affects versions prior to 7.5.401 and exposes the system to unauthorized remote exploitation through a carefully crafted WAR (Web Archive) file delivery mechanism. The attack vector specifically targets the software update service endpoint, creating a pathway for malicious actors to execute arbitrary code on the affected system without requiring authentication credentials.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation and insecure file handling within the Skybox Platform's update processing pipeline. When a WAR file is submitted to the designated endpoint at /skyboxview-softwareupdate/services/CollectorSoftwareUpdate, the system fails to adequately validate the contents of the archive. This allows malicious JSP (Java Server Pages) files embedded within the WAR archive to be deployed and executed within the application server environment. The JSP files are subsequently accessible through the file system path /opt/skyboxview/thirdparty/jboss/server/web/work/jboss.web/localhost, which represents the working directory where JSP files are compiled and executed by the underlying JBoss application server.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected system. Successful exploitation enables adversaries to execute arbitrary commands, potentially leading to full system compromise, data exfiltration, and persistent backdoor establishment. The unauthenticated nature of the vulnerability means that any remote attacker can exploit this flaw without needing valid credentials, making it particularly dangerous for networked environments where the platform may be exposed to external threats.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-434, which describes the weakness of allowing untrusted data to be processed as code, and represents a classic example of insecure file upload handling combined with inadequate input sanitization. From an attacker's perspective, this vulnerability maps to multiple ATT&CK techniques including T1190 for exploiting vulnerabilities in software and T1059 for executing malicious code through command and scripting interfaces. Organizations utilizing the Skybox Platform should immediately implement mitigations including patching to version 7.5.401 or later, implementing network segmentation to restrict access to the vulnerable endpoint, and deploying web application firewalls to monitor and filter incoming WAR file uploads. Additionally, system administrators should conduct thorough security audits to ensure no malicious JSP files have been previously deployed and establish monitoring procedures to detect unauthorized file deployments within the target system directories.