CVE-2017-4931 in AirWatch
Summary
by MITRE
VMware AirWatch Console 9.x prior to 9.2.0 contains a vulnerability that could allow an authenticated AWC user to add malicious data to an enrolled device's log files. Successful exploitation of this issue could result in an unsuspecting AWC user opening a CSV file which contains malicious content.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/24/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-4931 affects VMware AirWatch Console version 9.x prior to 9.2.0, representing a significant security flaw that exploits the trust relationship between authenticated users and the console's data handling mechanisms. This vulnerability resides within the AirWatch Console's processing of log data from enrolled devices, creating an attack vector where malicious actors can manipulate the system's logging infrastructure. The flaw specifically targets the console's handling of CSV file generation and processing, where user-supplied data from device logs is not properly sanitized or validated before being incorporated into downloadable files. This represents a classic case of insecure data handling that can be exploited through a combination of user trust and inadequate input validation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the manipulation of device log data that flows through the AirWatch Console's administrative interface. When an authenticated user performs operations related to device management, the console generates CSV reports containing information from enrolled devices. The flaw occurs during the CSV generation process where log entries from devices are directly embedded into the report without proper sanitization of potentially malicious content. An attacker with access to the AirWatch Console can inject malicious data into device logs, which then gets included in the CSV files generated by the console. This creates a scenario where legitimate administrators, who trust the console's output, might unknowingly open these CSV files, potentially triggering malicious code execution or data exfiltration through the file processing mechanisms. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it leverages the trust model inherent in administrative systems where users expect generated reports to be safe for processing.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data corruption or information disclosure, as it creates a potential vector for privilege escalation and persistent threat establishment. When unsuspecting administrators open the malicious CSV files, they may inadvertently execute code or trigger malicious processes that could lead to full system compromise. The attack chain typically begins with an authenticated user gaining access to the AirWatch Console, either through legitimate administrative access or through credential compromise. Once inside the system, the attacker can manipulate device logs to include malicious content, which then gets incorporated into CSV reports. The broader implications include potential data loss, unauthorized access to device information, and the possibility of establishing backdoors through the CSV file processing mechanisms. This vulnerability also demonstrates weaknesses in the principle of least privilege and proper input validation within enterprise mobility management systems. The attack surface is particularly concerning in environments where AirWatch Console is used for critical device management and monitoring.
The mitigation strategy for CVE-2017-4931 focuses on immediate remediation through the application of VMware's security patches and updates, specifically upgrading to AirWatch Console version 9.2.0 or later. Organizations should implement additional security controls including mandatory CSV file validation, sandboxed processing environments for downloaded reports, and enhanced monitoring of file generation activities within the console. Network segmentation and access controls should be strengthened to limit the scope of potential exploitation, while user training programs should emphasize the risks of opening untrusted files even from seemingly legitimate sources. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-20, which addresses improper input validation, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1059 for command and script injection, as well as T1074 for data staging through potentially malicious file downloads. Security teams should also consider implementing automated file analysis tools that can detect and prevent execution of malicious content within CSV files, while establishing strict protocols for reviewing and validating all generated reports before opening them in administrative environments. Regular security assessments of enterprise mobility management systems should include testing for similar input validation vulnerabilities that could enable similar attack vectors through file processing mechanisms.