CVE-2016-4004 in OpenManage Server Administrator
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in Dell OpenManage Server Administrator (OMSA) 8.2 allows remote authenticated administrators to read arbitrary files via a ..\ (dot dot backslash) in the file parameter to ViewFile.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/29/2025
The vulnerability CVE-2016-4004 represents a critical directory traversal flaw in Dell OpenManage Server Administrator version 8.2, which affects remote authenticated administrators with elevated privileges. This vulnerability resides within the file handling mechanism of OMSA's web interface, specifically in the ViewFile function that processes file parameters. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization of user-supplied file paths, allowing attackers to manipulate the file parameter through the ..\ (dot dot backslash) sequence to navigate outside the intended directory boundaries.
This directory traversal vulnerability operates by exploiting the lack of proper path validation in the web application's file access routines. When an authenticated administrator accesses the ViewFile function with a maliciously crafted file parameter containing ..\ sequences, the application fails to properly sanitize the input before processing the file request. The vulnerability specifically affects the Windows-based implementation of OMSA, where the backslash character is interpreted as a directory separator, enabling attackers to traverse up the directory structure and access files outside the intended scope. The flaw is classified under CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant, as it allows authenticated attackers with administrative privileges to read arbitrary files on the system where OMSA is installed. This includes potentially sensitive configuration files, log files, and other system resources that may contain credentials, system information, or other confidential data. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to system information, potentially leading to further privilege escalation or lateral movement within the network. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires only authentication to the OMSA interface, which is typically restricted to authorized system administrators, making it a serious concern for enterprise environments where OMSA is deployed.
The exploitation of this vulnerability aligns with techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and T1566 (Phishing for Information) tactics, as attackers can use this flaw to enumerate system files and gather intelligence. The vulnerability also relates to the principle of least privilege violations, where administrative access should not automatically grant unrestricted file system access. Organizations using Dell OpenManage Server Administrator should immediately apply the vendor-provided patches and updates to remediate this vulnerability, while also implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual file access patterns and parameter manipulation attempts. Additionally, regular security assessments and input validation reviews should be conducted to prevent similar vulnerabilities in other applications within the enterprise environment.