CVE-2017-7646 in Log
Summary
by MITRE
SolarWinds Log & Event Manager (LEM) before 6.3.1 Hotfix 4 allows an authenticated user to browse the server's filesystem and read the contents of arbitrary files contained within.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/29/2019
SolarWinds Log & Event Manager version 6.3.1 Hotfix 3 and earlier contains a critical directory traversal vulnerability that enables authenticated users to access arbitrary files on the underlying server filesystem. This vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation within the file browsing functionality, allowing attackers to manipulate file path parameters and navigate beyond the intended directories. The flaw exists in the web interface component that handles file system operations, where user-supplied input is not properly sanitized before being processed. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious requests that include directory traversal sequences such as ../ or ..\ to access files outside the intended scope. This vulnerability represents a significant security risk as it provides unauthorized access to sensitive system files, configuration data, and potentially confidential logs that may contain credentials or other privileged information.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as directory traversal or path traversal attacks. The vulnerability affects the authentication mechanism within SolarWinds LEM where legitimate users can leverage their existing access privileges to escalate their privileges to system-level file access. The attack surface is particularly concerning because the affected system components are typically deployed in enterprise environments where sensitive operational data resides. This weakness can be exploited through HTTP requests that target the file browsing API endpoints, making it relatively easy to implement and execute. The vulnerability demonstrates poor input validation practices and inadequate access controls, as the system fails to properly restrict file system access based on user permissions and intended application boundaries.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-7646 extends beyond simple file disclosure, as it provides attackers with the capability to extract critical system information that can be used for further exploitation. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can access system configuration files, log files, and potentially database credentials stored in plaintext within the application directories. This access can lead to privilege escalation, lateral movement within the network, and ultimately compromise the entire logging infrastructure. The vulnerability can be leveraged as a stepping stone for more sophisticated attacks, including the potential to access other network services or systems that rely on the same infrastructure. The exposure of sensitive configuration data could enable attackers to understand the internal network topology, system architecture, and operational procedures. Additionally, the ability to read arbitrary files may reveal application source code or internal documentation that could be used to identify additional vulnerabilities within the SolarWinds ecosystem.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate deployment of SolarWinds Hotfix 4 or the updated version 6.3.1, which addresses the directory traversal flaw through proper input validation and path restriction mechanisms. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit access to the LEM system and ensure that only authorized personnel have access to the web interface. Additional security controls should include monitoring for unusual file access patterns and implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious traversal attempts. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by restricting user permissions and ensuring that only necessary personnel have access to file system browsing capabilities. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in the broader network infrastructure. Security teams should also consider implementing file integrity monitoring solutions to detect unauthorized access or modification of critical system files. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation and access control implementation, as recommended in the ATT&CK framework under the technique T1059 for command and script injection, where the traversal attack could be used to execute malicious code through the exposure of system files. Organizations should also review their incident response procedures to ensure they can quickly detect and respond to such file system access violations.