CVE-2016-8280 in eSight
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in Huawei eSight before V300R003C20SPC005 allows remote authenticated users to read arbitrary files via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/22/2022
The directory traversal vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-8280 affects Huawei eSight management software versions prior to V300R003C20SPC005, representing a critical security flaw that enables remote authenticated attackers to access arbitrary files on the system. This vulnerability resides within the eSight platform's file handling mechanisms, where insufficient input validation permits malicious users to manipulate file path references and gain unauthorized access to sensitive system resources. The vulnerability specifically impacts the authentication and authorization controls implemented within the eSight management interface, creating an attack surface that could compromise the integrity and confidentiality of network infrastructure management data.
The technical implementation of this directory traversal flaw stems from inadequate sanitization of user-supplied input parameters that are processed during file access operations. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious requests that include directory traversal sequences such as ../ or ..\, which when processed by the vulnerable eSight application, allow them to navigate beyond the intended directory boundaries and access files outside the designated application scope. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-22 category of Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory, commonly known as Path Traversal, which is classified as a fundamental security flaw in web applications and system management platforms. The vulnerability demonstrates how insufficient input validation can create persistent access vectors that remain exploitable across multiple attack scenarios and target environments.
From an operational perspective, the impact of CVE-2016-8280 extends beyond simple unauthorized file access, potentially enabling attackers to extract sensitive configuration data, administrative credentials, and system logs that could facilitate further compromise of the network infrastructure. The remote authentication requirement means that attackers must first establish valid credentials to exploit this vulnerability, but once achieved, the access granted is comprehensive and potentially devastating. The vulnerability affects Huawei eSight management systems that are commonly deployed in enterprise networks for monitoring and managing IT infrastructure, making it particularly dangerous as it could provide attackers with access to critical network management data. This type of vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078.004 for Valid Accounts and T1566.001 for Phishing, as attackers often leverage legitimate credentials to exploit such weaknesses and maintain persistent access to target environments.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should prioritize immediate remediation through the application of Huawei's official security patches and updates, specifically targeting the V300R003C20SPC005 release or subsequent versions that contain the necessary fixes. System administrators should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit the exposure of eSight management interfaces to authorized personnel only, while also monitoring for suspicious file access patterns and authentication attempts. Additional mitigations include implementing web application firewalls to detect and block directory traversal attempts, conducting regular security assessments of management interfaces, and establishing robust credential management policies to minimize the risk of unauthorized access. The vulnerability underscores the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and proper input validation in enterprise management platforms, as these systems often serve as primary targets for attackers seeking to gain comprehensive access to network infrastructure.