CVE-2016-2205 in Workspace Streaming
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in the file-download configuration file in the management console in Symantec Workspace Streaming (SWS) 7.5.x before 7.5 SP1 HF9 and 7.6.0 before 7.6 HF5 and Symantec Workspace Virtualization (SWV) 7.5.x before 7.5 SP1 HF9 and 7.6.0 before 7.6 HF5 allows remote authenticated users to read unspecified application files via unknown vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/01/2022
The CVE-2016-2205 vulnerability represents a critical directory traversal flaw affecting Symantec Workspace Streaming and Symantec Workspace Virtualization products across multiple version ranges. This vulnerability exists within the file-download configuration file handling mechanism of the management console, specifically in the way these security solutions process file requests from authenticated users. The flaw allows remote attackers who have already established authentication credentials to exploit the system and access arbitrary application files that should remain protected. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates through unspecified vectors, making it difficult for administrators to predict or fully understand all potential attack paths. This directory traversal vulnerability falls under the CWE-22 category of Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory, which is a fundamental security weakness in file system access controls.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and path resolution mechanisms within the management console's file handling components. When authenticated users submit file download requests through the web interface, the system fails to properly sanitize or validate the file paths being requested. This allows attackers to manipulate the file path parameters to traverse directories above the intended download location, potentially accessing sensitive configuration files, log files, or other application resources that contain confidential information. The vulnerability affects both Symantec Workspace Streaming 7.5.x versions prior to 7.5 SP1 HF9 and 7.6.0 versions prior to 7.6 HF5, as well as Symantec Workspace Virtualization 7.5.x versions before 7.5 SP1 HF9 and 7.6.0 versions before 7.6 HF5, indicating a widespread issue across these product lines.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with access to potentially sensitive application data that could include configuration parameters, user credentials, or system settings. Attackers could leverage this access to gain deeper insights into the system architecture, identify other potential vulnerabilities, or extract information that could facilitate further attacks. The remote nature of the exploit means that attackers do not require physical access to the system, and the authenticated access requirement does not significantly reduce the risk since obtaining valid credentials through other means is often achievable through social engineering, credential theft, or other attack vectors. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and T1566 (Phishing) as attackers could use the information gained to plan more sophisticated attacks.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately implement the vendor-provided patches and hotfixes for both Symantec Workspace Streaming and Symantec Workspace Virtualization products. The recommended mitigation strategy involves applying the specific hotfixes mentioned in the CVE description, which include SP1 HF9 for 7.5.x versions and HF5 for 7.6.0 versions. Additionally, network segmentation should be implemented to limit access to the management console to only authorized personnel, and strict access controls should be enforced through proper authentication mechanisms. Monitoring for unusual file access patterns or download activities in the management console logs should be enabled to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of implementing robust input validation and secure coding practices, particularly in web applications handling file operations, and demonstrates the critical need for regular security updates and patch management processes within enterprise environments.