CVE-2019-3737 in Avamar ADMe Web Interface
Summary
by MITRE
Dell EMC Avamar ADMe Web Interface 1.0.50 and 1.0.51 are affected by an LFI vulnerability which may allow a malicious user to download arbitrary files from the affected system by sending a specially crafted request to the Web Interface application.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/07/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-3737 affects Dell EMC Avamar ADMe Web Interface versions 1.0.50 and 1.0.51, representing a critical local file inclusion flaw that exposes sensitive system resources to unauthorized access. This vulnerability resides within the web application layer of the Avamar data protection platform, specifically targeting the administrative web interface that manages backup and recovery operations for enterprise environments. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the application's file handling mechanisms, allowing attackers to manipulate file path parameters and gain access to arbitrary files on the underlying operating system.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through crafted HTTP requests that target specific parameters within the web interface, enabling an attacker to traverse the file system and retrieve sensitive files such as configuration data, credential stores, or system binaries. This represents a classic local file inclusion vulnerability classified under CWE-22, which occurs when user-supplied input is not properly validated before being used in file system operations. The attack vector leverages the web application's failure to properly sanitize file path inputs, allowing directory traversal sequences to be injected and executed within the application context. Security researchers have identified that the vulnerability stems from improper input validation routines that fail to filter or escape special characters used in file path manipulation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with potential access to critical system information that could facilitate further exploitation attempts. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can download system configuration files, application logs, and potentially sensitive authentication data that may be stored in accessible locations. The implications are particularly severe for enterprise environments using Dell EMC Avamar, as these systems typically handle sensitive backup data and may contain credentials or access keys that could be leveraged for privilege escalation or lateral movement within the network. This vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1213.002 for Data from Information Repositories and T1078.004 for Valid Accounts, as it enables unauthorized access to system resources and potentially legitimate credentials stored within the affected system.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-3737 should prioritize immediate patch application from Dell EMC, as the vendor has released security updates specifically addressing this vulnerability. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit access to the Avamar web interface to only authorized administrative personnel and establish robust input validation controls within the application layer. Additional protective measures include implementing web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious file path traversal attempts, conducting regular security audits of the web interface configuration, and monitoring for unusual file access patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation and proper file system access controls, as highlighted in industry best practices for secure application development and the OWASP Top Ten security risks. Organizations should also consider implementing automated vulnerability scanning tools to identify similar weaknesses in other web applications within their environment, as this type of vulnerability often indicates broader architectural security gaps that require comprehensive remediation strategies.