CVE-2016-5334 in vRealize Automation
Summary
by MITRE
VMware Identity Manager 2.x before 2.7.1 and vRealize Automation 7.x before 7.2.0 allow remote attackers to read /SAAS/WEB-INF and /SAAS/META-INF files via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/10/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-5334 represents a critical information disclosure flaw affecting VMware Identity Manager versions 2.x prior to 2.7.1 and vRealize Automation versions 7.x prior to 7.2.0. This weakness stems from insufficient access controls and improper file system permissions within the web application framework, allowing remote attackers to access sensitive configuration and metadata files that should remain protected. The affected paths /SAAS/WEB-INF and /SAAS/META-INF contain critical application components including deployment descriptors, configuration files, and potentially sensitive credential information that could be exploited by malicious actors to gain unauthorized access to the underlying system infrastructure.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves improper input validation and access control mechanisms within the web application layer. Attackers can exploit this flaw through unspecified vectors that likely involve crafted HTTP requests or direct path traversal techniques that bypass normal authorization checks. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-200, Information Disclosure, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1213.002 for Data from Information Repositories, as it enables unauthorized access to sensitive data stored within application directories. The flaw exists due to inadequate sanitization of user-supplied input that could be used to manipulate file access paths, resulting in directory traversal attacks that allow reading of restricted files.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, as it provides attackers with access to critical application metadata that may contain database connection strings, encryption keys, and other sensitive configuration parameters. This information could enable attackers to escalate their privileges within the system, potentially leading to full system compromise. The exposure of /SAAS/WEB-INF directory contents could reveal application deployment configurations, while access to /SAAS/META-INF files might provide insights into the application architecture and dependencies. Organizations running affected versions face significant risk of credential theft, data breaches, and potential lateral movement within their network infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-5334 should prioritize immediate patching of affected VMware products to versions 2.7.1 and 7.2.0 respectively, which contain the necessary security fixes. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to restrict access to affected systems, particularly limiting external exposure of administrative interfaces. Organizations should conduct thorough security assessments of their VMware environments to identify any additional vulnerabilities that may exist. Access controls should be strengthened through proper input validation, implementation of secure coding practices, and regular security testing. The remediation process should include monitoring for suspicious access patterns and implementing intrusion detection systems to identify potential exploitation attempts. Additionally, security teams should review and update their incident response procedures to address potential information disclosure scenarios that could arise from similar vulnerabilities.