CVE-2007-1972 in Performance Manager
Summary
by MITRE
** DISPUTED ** PatrolAgent.exe in BMC Performance Manager does not require authentication for requests to modify configuration files, which allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a request on TCP port 3181 for modification of the masterAgentName and masterAgentStartLine SNMP parameters. NOTE: the vendor disputes this vulnerability, stating that it does not exist when the system is properly configured.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/07/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-1972 pertains to a critical security flaw in BMC Performance Manager's PatrolAgent.exe component that operates on TCP port 3181. This issue represents a classic authentication bypass vulnerability where the system fails to properly validate incoming requests before allowing configuration modifications. The flaw specifically affects the masterAgentName and masterAgentStartLine SNMP parameters, which when manipulated can lead to arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability exists within the PatrolAgent.exe process which is designed to monitor and manage system performance metrics, making it a critical component in enterprise monitoring environments. This authentication weakness creates a pathway for remote attackers to gain unauthorized access to system configuration controls without proper credentials.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-287, which addresses improper authentication issues in software systems. The flaw manifests as an insufficient authorization mechanism within the SNMP parameter modification interface, where the system accepts configuration change requests without verifying the identity or privileges of the requesting entity. Attackers can exploit this by sending specially crafted requests to TCP port 3181, which serves as the communication channel for PatrolAgent.exe operations. The vulnerability demonstrates poor input validation and access control implementation, as the system assumes all requests originating from port 3181 are legitimate without proper authentication checks. This type of flaw commonly occurs in legacy monitoring systems where security considerations were not fully integrated into the initial design phases.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it can lead to complete system compromise and unauthorized modification of critical monitoring configurations. Remote attackers can potentially manipulate SNMP parameters to redirect system monitoring data, alter performance thresholds, or even inject malicious code into the monitoring infrastructure. This creates a persistent security risk where the attacker can maintain access to the monitoring system while remaining undetected. The vulnerability affects enterprise environments where BMC Performance Manager is deployed, potentially compromising hundreds or thousands of monitored systems. The impact is particularly severe because monitoring systems are often considered trusted components within network infrastructure, making this a significant attack vector for lateral movement and persistent access.
Despite the vendor's assertion that this vulnerability does not exist when properly configured, the fundamental flaw remains in the system's default behavior and design. The vendor's position suggests that proper network segmentation or access controls could mitigate the risk, but this represents a flawed security model where defense in depth should not rely on external network controls to compensate for internal authentication failures. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including network access controls, firewall rules restricting access to TCP port 3181, and proper network segmentation to isolate monitoring components. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of conducting security assessments during system deployment and configuration, as default installations may expose critical system components to unauthorized modification. Security professionals should consider this vulnerability as part of broader monitoring system security reviews and implement comprehensive access control policies to prevent similar issues in other enterprise monitoring solutions.
The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under privilege escalation and defense evasion techniques, as attackers can leverage the configuration modification capabilities to establish persistent access and manipulate system behavior. This vulnerability also falls under the reconnaissance category as attackers may scan for systems running PatrolAgent.exe to identify potential targets. The security implications extend to compliance requirements where unauthorized modification of monitoring configurations can violate audit trails and security policies. Organizations should conduct regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing to identify similar authentication bypass flaws in their monitoring and management systems. The incident underscores the critical need for secure-by-design principles in enterprise software development, particularly for systems that handle configuration management and system monitoring functions.