CVE-2017-6325 in Messaging Gateway
Summary
by MITRE
The Symantec Messaging Gateway can encounter a file inclusion vulnerability, which is a type of vulnerability that is most commonly found to affect web applications that rely on a scripting run time. This issue is caused when an application builds a path to executable code using an attacker-controlled variable in a way that allows the attacker to control which file is executed at run time. This file inclusion vulnerability subverts how an application loads code for execution. Successful exploitation of a file inclusion vulnerability will result in remote code execution on the web server that runs the affected web application.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/29/2020
The CVE-2017-6325 vulnerability represents a critical file inclusion flaw within Symantec Messaging Gateway, a widely deployed email security solution that protects organizations from spam, malware, and other email-based threats. This vulnerability falls under the category of insecure direct object references and improper input validation, making it particularly dangerous for email security infrastructure. The flaw exists in how the messaging gateway processes user-supplied input when constructing file paths for code execution, creating a pathway for attackers to manipulate the application's behavior through carefully crafted malicious input. The vulnerability is classified as a remote code execution vulnerability, meaning attackers can exploit it without requiring physical access to the system or prior authentication. This type of vulnerability is particularly concerning in email security appliances because these systems often operate with elevated privileges and have access to sensitive network resources and email data.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input sanitization within the Symantec Messaging Gateway's web interface, where user-controllable parameters are directly incorporated into file path construction without adequate validation or sanitization. When an attacker submits malicious input that includes directory traversal sequences or file path references, the application processes these inputs and attempts to load and execute the specified files. This creates an environment where attackers can potentially include arbitrary files from the system, including malicious code, leading to complete compromise of the affected server. The vulnerability specifically affects the application's dynamic file loading mechanisms and demonstrates a classic weakness in how the software handles external input for file operations. According to CWE classification, this maps to CWE-22: Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory and CWE-88: Argument Injection or Modification, as the application fails to properly restrict file paths and validate user input before use.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-6325 extends far beyond simple data theft or service disruption, as successful exploitation can result in complete system compromise of the Symantec Messaging Gateway appliance. Attackers who successfully exploit this vulnerability can execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the web server process, potentially gaining access to email content, user credentials, and network information. The gateway's role as an email security intermediary means that exploitation could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive email communications, including business-critical information and personal data. Organizations using this messaging gateway are particularly vulnerable because these appliances often serve as central points of email processing and security enforcement within corporate networks. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers can exploit it from anywhere on the internet, and the lack of authentication requirements makes it especially dangerous for organizations with exposed web interfaces.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including network segmentation to limit access to the Symantec Messaging Gateway web interface, deployment of web application firewalls to detect and block malicious input patterns, and comprehensive patch management to address the vulnerability. The recommended approach involves applying the vendor's security patches promptly and implementing network-level controls to restrict access to the affected web interface from untrusted networks. Security teams should also conduct thorough network scans to identify all instances of the vulnerable software and ensure that proper access controls are in place to limit who can interact with the web interface. Additionally, organizations should implement monitoring for suspicious file access patterns and anomalous behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007: Command and Scripting Interpreter: Python and T1203: Exploitation for Client Execution, as attackers would likely use this vulnerability to execute malicious code on the compromised system. The vulnerability also aligns with T1190: Exploit Public-Facing Application, highlighting the importance of proper input validation and secure coding practices in web application development.