CVE-2018-7806 in Data Center Operation
Summary
by MITRE
Data Center Operation allows for the upload of a zip file from its user interface to the server. A carefully crafted, malicious file could be mistakenly uploaded by an authenticated user via this feature which could contain path traversal file names. As such, it could allow for the arbitrary upload of files contained with the zip onto the server file system outside of the intended directory. This is leveraging the more commonly known ZipSlip vulnerability within Java code.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/16/2020
The vulnerability described in CVE-2018-7806 represents a critical security flaw in data center operations software that enables authenticated users to upload zip files through the graphical user interface. This functionality, while seemingly benign, creates a dangerous attack vector when combined with the inherent risks of zip file extraction processes. The vulnerability specifically exploits the ZipSlip vulnerability pattern, which has become a well-documented weakness in many file processing libraries and applications. When users upload zip files containing specially crafted file paths, the application fails to properly validate or sanitize the directory structure within the archive, allowing attackers to manipulate the extraction process and write files to arbitrary locations on the server filesystem.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through path traversal techniques embedded within zip file entries. Attackers can craft zip archives containing file paths that include directory traversal sequences such as ../ or ..\ that would normally be prevented by proper input validation. When the application extracts these files without adequate security checks, the malicious paths are honored, leading to unauthorized file placement outside of designated directories. This vulnerability operates at the intersection of several security domains including input validation, file system permissions, and secure coding practices. The flaw is particularly dangerous because it leverages a common pattern that has been extensively documented in security literature and has affected numerous applications across different platforms and programming languages. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-22, which specifically addresses path traversal flaws, and represents a classic example of how seemingly routine file operations can introduce significant security risks.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-7806 extends far beyond simple unauthorized file placement, as successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to upload malicious executables, web shells, or other payloads that can be executed with the privileges of the affected service. The consequences can include data exfiltration, system takeover, lateral movement within the network, and persistent backdoor access. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of the entire data center operation system, potentially compromising sensitive operational data and disrupting business continuity. Organizations using affected software may find their systems vulnerable to advanced persistent threats that can remain undetected for extended periods. The attack surface is particularly concerning because it requires only authenticated access, meaning that insiders or attackers who have gained user credentials can exploit this vulnerability without requiring additional privileges or complex attack chains.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-7806 must address both immediate remediation and long-term security architecture improvements. Organizations should implement proper input validation and sanitization of all file paths extracted from zip archives, ensuring that directory traversal sequences are rejected or properly resolved. The application should enforce strict directory boundaries during extraction, preventing any file operations from escaping designated directories. Security patches and updates from software vendors should be applied immediately, as this vulnerability has been widely documented and patched across affected platforms. Additionally, organizations should implement comprehensive monitoring and logging of file upload activities, with alerting mechanisms for suspicious file operations. Network segmentation and principle of least privilege access controls can help limit the potential damage from successful exploitation. The remediation process should also include code reviews and security testing focused on file handling operations, ensuring that similar vulnerabilities are not present in other parts of the application. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure coding practices and the need for continuous security assessment of file processing functionalities within enterprise applications.