CVE-2014-2646 in Network Automation
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in HP Network Automation 9.10 and 9.20 allows local users to bypass intended access restrictions via unknown vectors.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/12/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-2646 represents a critical security flaw within HP Network Automation software versions 9.10 and 9.20 that enables local attackers to circumvent established access controls. This unspecified weakness manifests as a privilege escalation vector that allows unauthorized local users to gain elevated system privileges or access restricted resources that should normally be protected from local interaction. The vulnerability specifically targets the authentication and authorization mechanisms implemented within the HP Network Automation platform, potentially enabling attackers to execute arbitrary commands or access sensitive network configuration data.
From a technical perspective, the vulnerability operates through unknown attack vectors that exploit weaknesses in the software's local security controls. The unspecified nature of these vectors suggests that the flaw may involve improper privilege handling, insecure direct object references, or inadequate access control checks that are typically implemented to prevent local users from bypassing security boundaries. This type of vulnerability falls under the broader category of local privilege escalation attacks that can be classified as a CWE-264 weakness, specifically related to permissions, privileges, and access controls. The attack surface is particularly concerning as it allows local users to potentially escalate their privileges to system-level access, which could lead to complete system compromise or unauthorized network access.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-2646 extends beyond simple access bypass as it represents a fundamental failure in the software's security architecture. Local privilege escalation vulnerabilities are particularly dangerous because they can be exploited by users who already have system access, making them difficult to detect and prevent through traditional network-based security measures. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to access network automation configurations, modify network policies, or potentially exfiltrate sensitive network data. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK framework techniques such as privilege escalation and persistence, where local users can establish more persistent access to the system. Organizations using HP Network Automation 9.10 and 9.20 may face significant operational risks including unauthorized network modifications, data exposure, and potential disruption of network services.
The mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate attention from system administrators and security teams. The primary recommendation involves applying the official security patches provided by HP to address the unspecified access control weaknesses. Organizations should also implement additional security controls including privilege separation, regular access reviews, and monitoring for unusual local system activities. System hardening practices such as disabling unnecessary local accounts, implementing proper user access controls, and conducting regular security assessments can help reduce the attack surface. Security teams should also consider implementing behavioral monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous privilege escalation attempts or unauthorized access patterns that might indicate exploitation of this vulnerability. Additionally, organizations should review their network automation workflows and ensure proper segregation of duties to minimize potential damage from local privilege escalation attacks. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date software versions and implementing comprehensive security monitoring to detect and respond to such local privilege escalation threats effectively.