CVE-2015-9255 in ALTO
Summary
by MITRE
Datto ALTO and SIRIS devices allow remote attackers to obtain sensitive information about data, software versions, configuration, and virtual machines via a request to a Web Virtual Directory.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/07/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-9255 affects Datto ALTO and SIRIS network security appliances, representing a critical information disclosure flaw that enables remote attackers to extract sensitive system details without authentication. This vulnerability resides within the web-based management interface of these devices, specifically targeting the Web Virtual Directory functionality that serves as an entry point for administrative operations. The flaw allows adversaries to access comprehensive system information including data structures, software version identifiers, configuration parameters, and virtual machine details through simple HTTP requests. Such information disclosure represents a significant risk to network security posture as it provides attackers with valuable reconnaissance data that can be leveraged for subsequent exploitation attempts.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate access controls and information exposure mechanisms within the device's web interface. When remote attackers send crafted requests to the Web Virtual Directory endpoints, the system responds with detailed system metadata that should typically be restricted to authorized administrative users only. This flaw falls under the category of improper information access control as defined by CWE-200, where sensitive data is exposed to unauthorized parties. The vulnerability demonstrates a clear breakdown in the principle of least privilege, where system information that should remain confidential is accessible through unauthenticated web requests. The affected devices operate with default configurations that fail to properly validate request origins or implement adequate authorization checks for sensitive endpoints.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-9255 extends beyond simple information disclosure, creating a significant attack surface for sophisticated adversaries seeking to compromise network security infrastructure. Attackers can utilize the leaked information to conduct targeted attacks against specific software versions, identify potential configuration weaknesses, and map virtual machine deployments within the network environment. This intelligence gathering capability enables attackers to tailor their exploitation strategies and potentially bypass security controls that would otherwise protect against generic attacks. The vulnerability affects both ALTO and SIRIS device lines, indicating a widespread issue across Datto's security appliance portfolio and suggesting that organizations using these devices face elevated risk of coordinated attacks. The exposure of virtual machine information particularly concerning as it may reveal internal network topology and system architecture details.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including network segmentation to isolate affected devices from critical network segments, deployment of web application firewalls to filter malicious requests to virtual directories, and implementation of access control lists that restrict access to administrative endpoints. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1082 - System Information Discovery, where adversaries collect information about the system environment to guide their operations. Security teams should also conduct comprehensive network scanning to identify all affected devices and ensure proper patching of the vulnerability. Regular monitoring of web access logs for suspicious requests to virtual directories should be implemented as part of ongoing security operations. The remediation process requires careful coordination to avoid disrupting legitimate administrative functions while ensuring complete elimination of the information disclosure channel that enables this vulnerability.