CVE-2024-28977 in Repository Manager
Summary
by MITRE • 04/24/2024
Dell Repository Manager, versions 3.4.2 through 3.4.4,contains a Path Traversal vulnerability in logger module. A local attacker with low privileges could potentially exploit this vulnerability to gain unauthorized read 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 • 01/22/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-28977 affects Dell Repository Manager versions 3.4.2 through 3.4.4 and represents a critical path traversal flaw within the logger module component. This security weakness arises from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly restrict file path access attempts. The vulnerability specifically impacts the logger functionality which handles file operations and system logging activities within the repository management framework. Attackers exploiting this flaw can manipulate file path parameters to navigate beyond intended directories and access sensitive system files that should remain restricted to authorized personnel.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of user-supplied input within the logger module's file access routines. When the application processes logging requests or file operations, it fails to adequately validate or sanitize path parameters that could contain malicious traversal sequences such as ../ or ..\ constructs. This allows an attacker to craft requests that bypass normal access controls and traverse the file system hierarchy to reach protected directories. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-22 as "Path Traversal" and specifically manifests as a weakness in input validation that permits arbitrary file access through improper path handling. The attack vector requires local system access with low privileges, meaning an attacker who has already compromised a user account or gained limited system access can leverage this vulnerability to escalate their privileges and access sensitive system resources.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized file access, as it provides attackers with the ability to read sensitive system files that may contain configuration data, credentials, or application source code. The running web application typically executes with elevated privileges compared to regular user accounts, meaning successful exploitation could grant attackers access to files that are normally protected from standard user access. This creates a significant risk for organizations using Dell Repository Manager, as the vulnerability could potentially expose database connection strings, encryption keys, system configurations, or other sensitive information that could be leveraged for further attacks. The vulnerability also poses risks to system integrity and confidentiality, as attackers could potentially access application logs, system files, or other sensitive data stored on the server. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and T1566 (Phishing) as attackers could use the discovered information to plan more sophisticated attacks or establish persistence within the environment.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations to address this vulnerability through patch management and configuration hardening. Dell has released updates to resolve this issue in newer versions of Repository Manager, and system administrators should prioritize applying these patches to all affected systems. Additional protective measures include implementing proper input validation for all file path parameters, restricting file system permissions for the web application user account, and monitoring system logs for suspicious file access patterns. Network segmentation and access controls should be reviewed to limit the potential impact of exploitation, while regular security assessments should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications and systems. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation and secure coding practices in preventing path traversal attacks, particularly in applications that handle file operations or system logging functions.