CVE-2020-24626 in Pay Per Use Utility Computing Service Meter
Summary
by MITRE
Unathenticated directory traversal in the ReceiverServlet class doPost() method can lead to arbitrary remote code execution in HPE Pay Per Use (PPU) Utility Computing Service (UCS) Meter version 1.9.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/23/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-24626 represents a critical security flaw in the HPE Pay Per Use (PPU) Utility Computing Service (UCS) Meter version 1.9, specifically within the ReceiverServlet class. This directory traversal vulnerability exists in the doPost() method and allows unauthenticated attackers to exploit the system remotely. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation and improper handling of user-supplied data that flows into file system operations, creating a pathway for attackers to manipulate file paths and access restricted system resources. The vulnerability's severity is amplified by the fact that no authentication is required to exploit it, making it particularly dangerous in networked environments where the service may be exposed to untrusted networks. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-22, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The attack vector leverages the HTTP POST method to send malicious payloads that can manipulate the file path resolution mechanism within the servlet implementation.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability enables attackers to perform arbitrary file operations on the underlying file system, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The directory traversal occurs when user input is directly incorporated into file path construction without proper sanitization or validation, allowing attackers to navigate beyond the intended directory boundaries. In the context of the HPE PPU UCS Meter, this could enable an attacker to read sensitive system files, write malicious code to arbitrary locations, or even execute commands on the target system. The impact extends beyond simple information disclosure as the vulnerability can be leveraged to achieve remote code execution, which aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059 for command and scripting interpreter and T1074 for data staging. The vulnerability's exploitation requires sending a specially crafted HTTP POST request containing malicious path traversal sequences such as "../" or similar constructs that manipulate the file system navigation logic within the ReceiverServlet.
The operational impact of CVE-2020-24626 is significant for organizations utilizing HPE PPU UCS Meter version 1.9, as it creates a persistent security risk that can be exploited from anywhere on the internet without requiring any authentication credentials. The vulnerability affects the core functionality of the metering service and could potentially disrupt business operations, compromise sensitive billing data, and provide attackers with a foothold for further network infiltration. Organizations may experience unauthorized access to financial information, system compromise, and potential data breaches that could have legal and regulatory implications. The attack surface is particularly concerning as the vulnerability exists in a service that typically operates in production environments and may be accessible from multiple network segments. The exploitation of this vulnerability can be automated and does not require advanced technical skills, making it attractive to threat actors seeking quick and effective compromise methods. The lack of authentication requirements means that any system running the vulnerable version of the HPE PPU UCS Meter is immediately at risk, regardless of network segmentation or firewall configurations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-24626 should focus on immediate patching and configuration hardening measures. Organizations should prioritize updating to the latest version of HPE PPU UCS Meter that contains the necessary security fixes for the directory traversal vulnerability. The patch typically addresses the root cause by implementing proper input validation, canonicalizing file paths, and ensuring that user-supplied data cannot manipulate the file system navigation logic. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to restrict access to the affected service to only trusted administrative networks and IP addresses. Additional security measures include implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious path traversal attempts, monitoring for suspicious file access patterns, and conducting regular security assessments of the affected systems. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices and input validation in web applications, particularly when dealing with file system operations. Organizations should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts and maintain comprehensive audit logs to track any unauthorized access attempts. Regular vulnerability assessments and security testing should be conducted to identify similar issues in other applications and services within the organization's infrastructure, as this type of vulnerability is commonly found in legacy applications that may not follow modern security best practices.