CVE-2021-35219 in Orion Platform
Summary
by MITRE • 08/31/2021
ExportToPdfCmd Arbitrary File Read Information Disclosure Vulnerability using ImportAlert function within the Alerts Settings page.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/03/2021
The CVE-2021-35219 vulnerability represents a critical information disclosure flaw within web applications that utilize PDF export functionality with alert system integration. This vulnerability specifically manifests in the ExportToPdfCmd command when it interacts with the ImportAlert function located within the Alerts Settings page of affected systems. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and improper access controls that allow unauthorized users to manipulate the PDF export process to read arbitrary files from the server filesystem. The vulnerability exploits a path traversal mechanism that bypasses normal file access restrictions, enabling attackers to extract sensitive data including configuration files, user credentials, application source code, and other confidential information stored on the target system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a direct manipulation of the alert import functionality to influence the PDF generation process. When the ImportAlert function processes user-supplied data, it fails to properly sanitize or validate the input parameters that are subsequently passed to the ExportToPdfCmd command. This creates an exploitable condition where an attacker can inject malicious file paths or references that cause the PDF generation routine to access files outside of the intended directory structure. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and typically requires authentication to exploit, though some implementations may allow unauthenticated access depending on the system configuration and the specific implementation of the alert and export functions.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risk to organizations that rely on document export functionalities within their web applications. Attackers can leverage this flaw to gain access to sensitive information that may include database connection strings, cryptographic keys, user authentication tokens, and system configuration details that could facilitate further exploitation. The impact extends beyond simple information disclosure as the extracted data can be used for privilege escalation, lateral movement, and additional attack vectors within the compromised environment. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-22 Path Traversal and CWE-200 Information Disclosure categories, representing a classic example of insufficient input validation leading to unauthorized data access.
The exploitation of this vulnerability typically follows a pattern where attackers first identify the alert import endpoint and then craft malicious payloads that manipulate the file paths used during PDF generation. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a technique involving credential access and privilege escalation through information gathering, as the extracted data often includes sensitive credentials and system information. Organizations implementing the affected software should consider this vulnerability as part of a broader attack chain that could lead to complete system compromise. The vulnerability affects web applications that implement PDF export functionality with alert system integration, making it particularly relevant to content management systems, enterprise applications, and any platform that generates PDF documents from user data or system alerts.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2021-35219 should focus on implementing comprehensive input validation and access control mechanisms within the alert import and PDF export processes. Organizations should ensure that all user-supplied data passed to the ExportToPdfCmd command undergoes strict sanitization and validation before being processed. The implementation of proper path validation and whitelisting of acceptable file paths can prevent unauthorized file access. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing principle of least privilege access controls, ensuring that the PDF generation process operates with minimal required permissions and cannot access sensitive system directories. Regular security updates and patches from software vendors should be applied immediately upon availability, as this vulnerability typically requires vendor-specific fixes. Network segmentation and monitoring of PDF export functionality can help detect potential exploitation attempts. The use of web application firewalls and input validation rules can provide additional protection layers against this type of attack, while regular security assessments should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other application components.