CVE-2024-25944 in OpenManage Enterprise
Summary
by MITRE • 03/29/2024
Dell OpenManage Enterprise, v4.0 and prior, contain(s) a path traversal vulnerability. An unauthenticated remote attacker could potentially exploit this vulnerability, to gain unauthorized access to the files stored on the server filesystem, with the privileges of the running web application.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/08/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-25944 affects Dell OpenManage Enterprise version 4.0 and earlier, representing a critical path traversal flaw that exposes the underlying server filesystem to unauthorized access. This vulnerability resides within the web application framework of Dell OpenManage Enterprise, a widely deployed management solution for enterprise infrastructure monitoring and control. The flaw allows an unauthenticated remote attacker to manipulate file path references and access sensitive files stored on the server without requiring valid credentials or authentication. The vulnerability specifically targets the application's handling of user-supplied input in file access operations, creating an opportunity for attackers to navigate beyond the intended directory structure and retrieve arbitrary files from the server's file system.
The technical implementation of this path traversal vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the application's file handling mechanisms. When the web application processes user requests containing file path parameters, it fails to properly validate or sanitize the input before using it in file system operations. This weakness enables attackers to craft malicious requests containing directory traversal sequences such as "../" or similar constructs that allow them to move up the directory hierarchy and access files outside the intended application directories. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-22 as "Path Traversal" and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083, which describes the discovery of file systems and directories through reconnaissance activities. The flaw exists in the application's core functionality where it processes file access requests without proper boundary checks, creating a direct pathway for arbitrary file access.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, as it grants attackers the ability to access sensitive system files, configuration data, and potentially credentials stored within the server's file system. Attackers could exploit this vulnerability to retrieve database connection strings, application configuration files, cryptographic keys, and other sensitive information that could compromise the entire management infrastructure. The privilege level of access granted to the attacker matches the privileges of the running web application, which typically operates with elevated permissions to perform system management functions. This means that successful exploitation could lead to complete compromise of the management server, potentially enabling attackers to gain control over the entire monitored infrastructure. The vulnerability affects organizations using Dell OpenManage Enterprise for critical infrastructure management, making it a high-value target for both nation-state actors and organized cybercriminal groups.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-25944 should prioritize immediate patching of affected Dell OpenManage Enterprise installations to version 4.1 or later, which contains the necessary security fixes. Organizations should implement network segmentation to restrict access to management interfaces and limit exposure to external networks where possible. The implementation of web application firewalls and input validation controls can provide additional layers of protection against malicious path traversal attempts. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect suspicious file access patterns and directory traversal attempts in web server logs. Organizations should also conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify other potential path traversal vulnerabilities within their infrastructure and apply the principle of least privilege to limit the impact of any successful exploitation attempts. Regular security updates and vulnerability management processes should be strengthened to prevent similar issues from occurring in the future, particularly focusing on input validation and secure coding practices that align with industry standards such as those outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines.