CVE-2006-3733 in Security Monitoring Analysis
Summary
by MITRE
jmx-console/HtmlAdaptor in the jmx-console in the JBoss web application server, as shipped with Cisco Security Monitoring, Analysis and Response System (CS-MARS) before 4.2.1, allows remote attackers to gain privileges as the CS-MARS administrator and execute arbitrary Java code via an invokeOp action in the BSHDeployer jboss.scripts service name.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/04/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2006-3733 represents a critical privilege escalation and remote code execution flaw within the JBoss web application server component that was shipped with Cisco Security Monitoring, Analysis and Response System (CS-MARS) versions prior to 4.2.1. This issue specifically targets the jmx-console HtmlAdaptor interface, which provides a web-based management interface for JBoss server components. The vulnerability exists in the BSHDeployer service within the jboss.scripts namespace, making it particularly dangerous as it allows attackers to leverage existing management interfaces to gain elevated privileges and execute arbitrary code on the target system.
The technical flaw stems from insufficient input validation and access control mechanisms within the HtmlAdaptor component of JBoss. When an attacker submits a specially crafted request containing an invokeOp action targeting the BSHDeployer service, the system fails to properly authenticate or authorize the request before executing the requested operation. This allows an unauthenticated remote attacker to invoke Java methods that should only be accessible to administrators, effectively bypassing the normal security boundaries of the application server. The vulnerability is classified as a privilege escalation issue under CWE-269, which specifically addresses "Improper Privilege Management" in software systems.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, as it provides attackers with complete administrative control over the CS-MARS system. Once exploited, the vulnerability enables remote code execution with the privileges of the CS-MARS administrator, which typically corresponds to the highest level of system access. This level of access allows attackers to modify system configurations, access sensitive data, install malicious software, and potentially use the compromised system as a pivot point for attacking other systems within the network. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires no prior authentication credentials, making it an ideal target for automated exploitation campaigns.
The attack technique leverages the Java Management Extensions (JMX) interface, which is commonly used for monitoring and managing Java applications. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: Python" and T1059.006 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell" as it involves executing code through legitimate management interfaces. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic insecure direct object reference pattern where the BSHDeployer service can be directly invoked without proper access controls, making it susceptible to manipulation by unauthorized users. Organizations using affected versions of CS-MARS should immediately implement mitigations including network segmentation, firewall rules to restrict access to the jmx-console interface, and mandatory application updates to version 4.2.1 or later. The remediation process should also include disabling unnecessary management interfaces and implementing proper monitoring to detect unauthorized access attempts to JMX endpoints.