CVE-2016-1593 in Novell Service Desk
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in the import users feature in Micro Focus Novell Service Desk before 7.2 allows remote authenticated administrators to upload and execute arbitrary JSP files via a .. (dot dot) in a filename within a multipart/form-data POST request to a LiveTime.woa URL.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/31/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-1593 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within Micro Focus Novell Service Desk version 7.1 and earlier, specifically affecting the import users functionality. This weakness allows authenticated administrative users to manipulate file upload processes through carefully crafted multipart/form-data POST requests targeting the LiveTime.woa endpoint. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and improper path handling during file processing, enabling attackers to traverse directory structures and place malicious files in unintended locations. The flaw specifically exploits the lack of proper sanitization of filenames containing .. (dot dot) sequences, which are commonly used to navigate up directory levels in file systems.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a sophisticated attack vector that leverages the legitimate import users feature while subverting its intended security boundaries. When an authenticated administrator submits a maliciously crafted file upload request containing directory traversal sequences in the filename parameter, the application fails to properly validate or sanitize these inputs. This allows the attacker to specify arbitrary file paths that bypass normal file upload restrictions and potentially place executable JSP files in web-accessible directories. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates within the context of an authenticated administrative account, eliminating the need for additional privilege escalation. The attack requires only a valid administrative login and the ability to submit POST requests to the vulnerable LiveTime.woa endpoint.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized file placement, as it enables full remote code execution capabilities through the uploaded JSP files. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can establish persistent backdoors, execute arbitrary commands on the target system, and potentially escalate privileges to gain deeper access to the underlying infrastructure. The vulnerability affects organizations using older versions of Novell Service Desk, creating a significant risk for enterprises that have not updated their systems. The impact is particularly severe in environments where administrative accounts are frequently used and where the application runs with elevated privileges. This vulnerability also demonstrates poor input validation practices and inadequate security controls around file upload mechanisms, which are fundamental requirements in secure application design.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-1593 should focus on immediate patching of affected systems to version 7.2 or later, where the vulnerability has been addressed through proper input validation and path sanitization. Organizations should implement strict file upload validation controls that reject any filenames containing directory traversal sequences or other malicious patterns. Network segmentation and access controls should be enforced to limit administrative access to only necessary systems and reduce the attack surface. The implementation of web application firewalls and runtime application self-protection mechanisms can provide additional layers of defense. According to CWE standards, this vulnerability maps to CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, and aligns with ATT&CK techniques involving privilege escalation and execution through valid accounts. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in other applications and systems within the organization's infrastructure.