CVE-2020-15543 : Security Advisory and Response

SolarWinds Serv-U FTP server before version 15.2.1 is impacted by a vulnerability that allows attackers to bypass path validation.

Understanding CVE-2020-15543

This CVE entry describes a security issue in SolarWinds Serv-U FTP server that could be exploited by malicious actors.

What is CVE-2020-15543?

The vulnerability in SolarWinds Serv-U FTP server before version 15.2.1 arises from the lack of proper validation for an argument path, potentially enabling attackers to manipulate paths.

The Impact of CVE-2020-15543

This vulnerability could be exploited by threat actors to bypass path validation, leading to unauthorized access or other malicious activities on affected systems.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-15543

SolarWinds Serv-U FTP server before version 15.2.1 is susceptible to a security flaw due to inadequate path validation.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability allows attackers to provide malicious paths that are not properly validated by the FTP server, potentially leading to unauthorized access or other security breaches.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: SolarWinds Serv-U FTP server
Vendor: SolarWinds
Versions affected: Before 15.2.1

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by manipulating the argument path in a way that bypasses the server's validation checks, potentially gaining unauthorized access.

Mitigation and Prevention

It is crucial to take immediate steps to address and prevent exploitation of this vulnerability.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update SolarWinds Serv-U FTP server to version 15.2.1 or later to mitigate the vulnerability.
Monitor network traffic for any suspicious activities that could indicate exploitation attempts.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch software to ensure the latest security fixes are in place.
Implement strong access controls and authentication mechanisms to prevent unauthorized access.
Conduct regular security assessments and penetration testing to identify and address vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

SolarWinds has released version 15.2.1, which includes a fix for this vulnerability. Ensure all instances of Serv-U FTP server are updated to the patched version to secure the system against potential exploits.