CVE-2016-15046 in Security Manager
Summary
by MITRE • 07/25/2025
A client-side remote code execution vulnerability exists in Samsung Security Manager versions 1.32 and 1.4, due to improper restrictions on the PUT method exposed by the bundled Apache ActiveMQ instance (running on port 8161). An attacker can exploit this flaw through a Cross-Origin Resource Sharing (CORS) bypass combined with JavaScript-triggered file uploads to the web server, ultimately resulting in arbitrary code execution with SYSTEM privileges.
This vulnerability bypasses the server-side mitigations introduced in ZDI-15-156 and ZDI-16-481 by shifting the exploitation to the client-side.
This product is now known as Hanwha Wisenet SSM and it is unknown if current versions are affected.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/29/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-15046 represents a critical client-side remote code execution flaw in Samsung Security Manager versions 1.32 and 1.4 that leverages improper restrictions within the bundled Apache ActiveMQ instance. This vulnerability operates through a sophisticated attack vector that combines Cross-Origin Resource Sharing (CORS) bypass techniques with JavaScript-triggered file uploads to exploit the exposed web server interface. The affected Apache ActiveMQ instance runs on port 8161, creating an attack surface that allows malicious actors to bypass traditional server-side security controls. The flaw stems from inadequate validation of HTTP PUT requests, which should normally be restricted to prevent arbitrary file uploads and subsequent code execution. This vulnerability specifically targets the security manager's web interface and represents a significant regression in security posture, as it effectively neutralizes protections that were previously implemented to address similar issues.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires a multi-stage approach that begins with the CORS bypass mechanism, which allows malicious JavaScript code to make cross-origin requests to the vulnerable ActiveMQ instance. Once the CORS restrictions are circumvented, attackers can leverage JavaScript to trigger file uploads through the PUT method, which should normally be disabled or properly authenticated. The vulnerability's design allows for arbitrary code execution with SYSTEM privileges, indicating that the uploaded malicious files are executed with the highest possible permissions on the target system. This privilege escalation occurs because the ActiveMQ instance is running with elevated privileges and the file upload functionality bypasses normal security boundaries. The exploitation chain demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of how to leverage browser-based attacks to achieve server-side code execution, making it particularly dangerous for environments where the security manager is deployed.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple remote code execution to encompass complete system compromise and potential lateral movement within network environments. Attackers who successfully exploit this vulnerability can gain full control over the affected Samsung Security Manager instances, potentially allowing them to monitor network traffic, modify security policies, or use the compromised systems as launching points for further attacks. The vulnerability's client-side nature means that exploitation can occur through web browsers without requiring direct network access to the target systems, making it particularly stealthy and difficult to detect. This characteristic aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter and T1078.004 for valid accounts, as the compromised systems can be used to maintain persistence and execute additional malicious activities. The vulnerability's ability to bypass previous mitigations documented in ZDI-15-156 and ZDI-16-481 indicates that security researchers had previously identified similar issues, but this particular variant demonstrates the evolving nature of attack techniques that adapt to existing defenses.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including disabling the bundled Apache ActiveMQ instance, restricting access to port 8161 through firewall rules, and implementing proper CORS policies to prevent unauthorized cross-origin requests. The vulnerability's classification as a client-side attack vector means that traditional server-side security controls may be insufficient, requiring a comprehensive approach that includes browser security hardening and network segmentation. Security teams should also conduct thorough inventory assessments to identify all instances of Samsung Security Manager and Hanwha Wisenet SSM deployments, as the vulnerability may affect other products that utilize similar components. The remediation process should include updating to versions that have addressed this specific vulnerability, though the lack of information about current versions being affected suggests that this vulnerability may have been patched in newer releases. This situation highlights the importance of maintaining current security patches and conducting regular vulnerability assessments to identify and remediate similar issues before they can be exploited by threat actors. The vulnerability's existence also underscores the need for proper input validation and access control mechanisms in web applications, particularly those that expose administrative interfaces through standard web protocols.