CVE-2014-2609 in Executive Scorecard
Summary
by MITRE
The Java Glassfish Admin Console in HP Executive Scorecard 9.40 and 9.41 does not require authentication, which allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a session on TCP port 10001, aka ZDI-CAN-2116.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/24/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-2609 represents a critical security flaw in the HP Executive Scorecard 9.40 and 9.41 software products, specifically within the Java Glassfish Admin Console component. This issue stems from the absence of proper authentication mechanisms within the administrative interface, creating a severe exposure that allows unauthenticated remote attackers to gain system access. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects a web-based administrative console that operates on TCP port 10001, making it accessible over network connections without requiring any credentials or authorization checks. The flaw exists in the underlying Glassfish application server implementation that HP Executive Scorecard utilizes for its administrative functionality, creating a direct pathway for malicious actors to exploit the system.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-287, which addresses improper authentication issues in software systems. The flaw essentially creates an authentication bypass condition where any remote attacker can connect to the administrative console without providing valid credentials, username, or password. This misconfiguration allows for complete administrative access to the system, enabling attackers to perform any administrative function including but not limited to executing arbitrary code, modifying system configurations, accessing sensitive data, and potentially escalating privileges within the network environment. The vulnerability is classified as a remote code execution flaw since the lack of authentication directly enables attackers to execute malicious commands on the target system through the exposed administrative interface.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant risk to organizations using HP Executive Scorecard versions 9.40 and 9.41, as it provides attackers with unrestricted access to the administrative functions of the system. The exposure on TCP port 10001 means that the vulnerability is easily discoverable by automated scanning tools and malicious actors who may be actively seeking such misconfigurations. The implications extend beyond simple unauthorized access, as the ability to execute arbitrary code allows attackers to install backdoors, modify system configurations, steal sensitive data, or use the compromised system as a pivot point for attacking other systems within the network. Organizations relying on this software for business intelligence and executive reporting face potential data breaches, system compromise, and operational disruptions that could severely impact their business operations and regulatory compliance requirements.
The mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate remediation through patching the affected software versions to address the authentication bypass issue. Organizations should implement network segmentation to restrict access to TCP port 10001, particularly by blocking external access to this administrative port through firewall rules and network access control lists. Additionally, implementing proper authentication mechanisms including strong password policies, multi-factor authentication, and regular credential rotation should be enforced. Network monitoring and intrusion detection systems should be configured to detect unauthorized access attempts to the administrative console. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of proper security configuration management and regular security assessments to identify and remediate similar misconfigurations. Organizations should also consider implementing application firewalls or web application firewalls to provide additional protection layers for the administrative interfaces and ensure that all administrative services are properly secured and monitored for unauthorized access attempts.