CVE-2014-2642 in System Management Homepage
Summary
by MITRE
HP System Management Homepage (SMH) before 7.4 allows remote attackers to conduct clickjacking attacks via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/29/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-2642 affects HP System Management Homepage versions prior to 7.4, representing a critical security flaw that enables remote attackers to execute clickjacking attacks against systems running the affected software. This vulnerability resides within HP's web-based management interface, which is commonly deployed in enterprise environments for system monitoring and administrative tasks. The clickjacking vector allows attackers to deceive users into performing unintended actions by overlaying malicious content on legitimate web pages, making this a particularly insidious threat in managed IT environments where administrators frequently interact with web interfaces.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient protection mechanisms within the HP SMH web interface that fail to properly validate or restrict the embedding of web content. Attackers can craft malicious web pages that load the vulnerable HP SMH interface within hidden iframes, overlaying legitimate interface elements with deceptive content. When unsuspecting administrators interact with what appears to be normal interface elements, they are actually triggering commands within the underlying vulnerable system. This flaw operates at the web application layer and specifically targets the user interface components that handle administrative functions, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise settings where privileged access is required.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-2642 extends beyond simple data theft or manipulation, as it can enable attackers to gain unauthorized administrative access to managed systems. In enterprise environments, this vulnerability can be exploited to perform critical administrative functions such as system configuration changes, user management, or even system shutdowns without proper authorization. The attack requires minimal technical expertise, making it particularly dangerous as it can be leveraged by attackers with limited privileges to escalate their access within the managed environment. Organizations utilizing HP SMH for system management are particularly vulnerable, as the interface typically requires elevated privileges to function, making successful exploitation potentially devastating to system integrity and availability.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-2642 primarily involve upgrading to HP System Management Homepage version 7.4 or later, which includes proper clickjacking protection mechanisms such as X-Frame-Options headers and Content Security Policy implementations. Organizations should also implement web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious framing attempts, while administrators should regularly review and update their security configurations. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-1021, which specifically addresses improper restriction of rendering of web content, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for execution through web-based interfaces. Additional protective measures include implementing proper access controls, regular security audits, and user education about suspicious web interactions to reduce the risk of successful exploitation.