CVE-2004-1811 in Insight Manager
Summary
by MITRE
The SSL HTTP Server in HP Web-enabled Management Software 5.0 through 5.92, with anonymous access enabled, allows remote attackers to compromise the trusted certificates by uploading their own certificates.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/27/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-1811 represents a critical security flaw in HP Web-enabled Management Software versions 5.0 through 5.92 that operates at the application layer of the network stack. This issue specifically affects the SSL HTTP Server component when anonymous access is enabled, creating a pathway for remote attackers to manipulate the certificate trust model that governs secure communications. The flaw stems from inadequate validation mechanisms within the certificate handling process, allowing unauthorized entities to upload and potentially replace legitimate certificates with malicious ones. This vulnerability directly impacts the integrity of the SSL/TLS communication framework, which is fundamental to establishing secure connections between clients and servers.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability resides in the improper certificate management system within the HP Web-enabled Management Software. When anonymous access is enabled, the system fails to properly authenticate certificate upload requests, creating an opportunity for attackers to inject their own certificates into the trusted certificate store. This process typically involves exploiting weak access controls and insufficient input validation during the certificate upload process. The flaw is classified under CWE-22, which addresses Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory, and CWE-310, which deals with Cryptographic Issues. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability by uploading specially crafted certificates that appear legitimate to the system, thereby bypassing the normal certificate validation procedures that ensure trust in SSL/TLS communications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple unauthorized access, as it fundamentally undermines the security posture of systems relying on HP Web-enabled Management Software. Remote attackers who successfully exploit this vulnerability can establish man-in-the-middle positions, intercept sensitive communications, and potentially gain unauthorized access to management interfaces. This compromise can lead to complete system takeover, data exfiltration, and disruption of critical business operations. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the trust layer of the security infrastructure, making it difficult to detect and trace. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1566 (Phishing) and T1071.001 (Application Layer Protocol: Web Protocols) as attackers can use this weakness to establish malicious communication channels and potentially escalate privileges through compromised management interfaces.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2004-1811 require immediate implementation of several security controls to address the root cause of the vulnerability. Organizations should disable anonymous access to the SSL HTTP Server component whenever possible, as this significantly reduces the attack surface. The recommended approach includes implementing strong authentication mechanisms, enforcing certificate validation procedures, and restricting certificate upload capabilities to authorized administrative users only. System administrators should also implement network segmentation to limit access to management interfaces and deploy intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious certificate upload activities. Additionally, regular security audits and certificate management reviews should be conducted to ensure that only legitimate certificates remain in the trust store. The vulnerability highlights the importance of following security best practices outlined in NIST SP 800-53 and ISO/IEC 27001 standards, particularly in the areas of access control and cryptographic key management. Organizations must also ensure that all systems are updated to the latest available patches from HP, as this vulnerability was addressed in subsequent software releases through enhanced certificate validation and access control mechanisms.