CVE-1999-0616 in Storage Manager
Summary
by MITRE
The AuthenticationFilter class in SolarWinds Storage Manager allows remote attackers to upload and execute arbitrary scripts via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/23/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-1999-0616 resides within the AuthenticationFilter class of SolarWinds Storage Manager, representing a critical security flaw that enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary scripts on affected systems. This issue stems from inadequate input validation and authentication mechanisms within the storage management platform, creating a pathway for malicious actors to bypass security controls and gain unauthorized access to system resources. The vulnerability affects organizations utilizing SolarWinds Storage Manager version 4.0 and earlier, making it particularly concerning given the widespread adoption of this network monitoring and management solution across enterprise environments.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the exploitation of unspecified vectors within the AuthenticationFilter class that process user authentication requests. Attackers can leverage this weakness to upload malicious scripts or code that gets executed within the context of the Storage Manager application. The flaw essentially allows for a form of remote code execution that bypasses normal authentication procedures, enabling unauthorized users to gain elevated privileges and control over the affected system. This type of vulnerability typically falls under CWE-434 which specifically addresses Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type, indicating that the system permits file uploads without proper validation of file types or content integrity checks.
The operational impact of CVE-1999-0616 extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it creates a persistent threat vector that can be leveraged for various malicious activities. Once an attacker successfully exploits this vulnerability, they can execute arbitrary commands on the target system, potentially leading to data exfiltration, system compromise, or further lateral movement within the network. The remote nature of the attack means that adversaries can exploit this vulnerability from outside the network perimeter, significantly increasing the attack surface and reducing the effectiveness of traditional network security controls. This vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 which covers Scripting through the execution of malicious code, and T1566 which addresses Phishing with a specific focus on credential theft and system compromise.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately implement mitigations including applying the latest security patches released by SolarWinds, implementing network segmentation to isolate critical storage management systems, and deploying additional authentication layers such as multi-factor authentication. The recommended approach involves conducting comprehensive security assessments to identify all instances of the vulnerable software and ensuring that proper file upload restrictions are implemented within the application. Additionally, network monitoring should be enhanced to detect suspicious file upload activities and unusual command execution patterns. System administrators should also review and tighten access controls, implement proper input validation mechanisms, and establish regular security audits to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being introduced in future software releases. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of secure coding practices and the necessity of thorough security testing, particularly for authentication and authorization components within enterprise applications.