CVE-2013-4811 in ProCurve Manager
Summary
by MITRE
UpdateDomainControllerServlet in the SNAC registration server in HP ProCurve Manager (PCM) 3.20 and 4.0, PCM+ 3.20 and 4.0, and Identity Driven Manager (IDM) 4.0 does not properly validate the adCert argument, which allows remote attackers to upload .jsp files and consequently execute arbitrary code via unspecified vectors, aka ZDI-CAN-1743.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/22/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-4811 represents a critical security flaw in HP ProCurve Manager and related identity management systems that enables remote code execution through improper input validation. This vulnerability exists within the UpdateDomainControllerServlet component of the SNAC registration server, which serves as a core element for managing domain controller configurations in enterprise network environments. The flaw specifically affects versions 3.20 and 4.0 of HP ProCurve Manager, PCM+, and Identity Driven Manager, creating a significant attack surface that could compromise entire network infrastructures. The vulnerability was catalogued under the Zero Day Initiative (ZDI) as CAN-1743, highlighting its severity and the potential for widespread exploitation across enterprise networks relying on these management platforms.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from inadequate validation of the adCert argument parameter within the UpdateDomainControllerServlet. This parameter should have been subject to strict input sanitization and validation to prevent malicious file uploads, but instead allows arbitrary file uploads to occur. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting specially formatted requests that include .jsp files within the adCert argument, bypassing normal file validation mechanisms. The servlet's failure to properly validate file extensions, content types, or file contents creates an opportunity for attackers to upload malicious Java Server Pages that execute arbitrary code on the target system. This represents a classic path traversal and file upload vulnerability that falls under the CWE-434 category, specifically related to Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple code execution capabilities, as it provides attackers with the ability to establish persistent backdoors within enterprise network management systems. Once successfully exploited, attackers can gain complete control over the affected management server, potentially enabling them to manipulate network configurations, steal authentication credentials, or use the compromised system as a launch point for further attacks within the network perimeter. The vulnerability affects critical infrastructure management components that typically operate with elevated privileges, making the potential damage exponentially higher. Network administrators who rely on these systems for domain controller management face the risk of complete system compromise, as the attack vector allows for privilege escalation and persistent access to sensitive network management functions. This vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Windows Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1566 for Phishing, as it enables both code execution and potential lateral movement within network environments.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of affected systems to address the input validation flaw in the UpdateDomainControllerServlet component. Organizations should implement network segmentation to isolate management systems from critical network infrastructure and restrict access to the affected services through firewalls and access control lists. Additionally, security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual file upload activities or unauthorized modifications to domain controller configurations. The implementation of web application firewalls can provide additional protection layers against malicious file upload attempts, while regular security audits should verify that no unauthorized .jsp files have been uploaded to the system. Organizations should also consider implementing principle of least privilege access controls and regularly review user permissions for management interfaces to minimize the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation in web applications and serves as a reminder of the severe consequences that can result from inadequate security controls in enterprise management platforms.