CVE-2016-1524 in Management System NMS300
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple unrestricted file upload vulnerabilities in NETGEAR Management System NMS300 1.5.0.11 and earlier allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary Java code by using (1) fileUpload.do or (2) lib-1.0/external/flash/fileUpload.do to upload a JSP file, and then accessing it via a direct request for a /null URI.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/28/2024
The CVE-2016-1524 vulnerability represents a critical unrestricted file upload flaw in NETGEAR Management System NMS300 version 1.5.0.11 and earlier, presenting a significant security risk to network infrastructure administrators. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and file handling mechanisms within the web application's upload functionality, specifically affecting two distinct endpoints: fileUpload.do and lib-1.0/external/flash/fileUpload.do. The flaw allows remote attackers to bypass security controls and upload malicious Java Server Pages files directly to the server's file system, creating a persistent backdoor for unauthorized code execution.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the absence of proper file type validation and sanitization processes within the application's upload handlers. When legitimate users or attackers submit files through the vulnerable endpoints, the system fails to verify the file extensions, content types, or actual file contents against a whitelist of approved formats. This lack of validation permits the upload of malicious JSP files that can execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the web application server. The vulnerability specifically targets the Java-based web application environment, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise networks where Java applications often run with elevated privileges and access to critical network resources.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-1524 extends beyond simple remote code execution, as it provides attackers with persistent access to the compromised system and potentially the entire network infrastructure managed by the NMS300. Once a malicious JSP file is successfully uploaded and executed, attackers can establish reverse shells, install additional malware, or use the compromised system as a launching point for lateral movement attacks within the network. The direct URI access via the /null URI path provides attackers with a predictable and reliable method to execute their uploaded payloads, eliminating the need for complex exploitation techniques. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-434, which specifically addresses the improper restriction of uploads to a restricted directory, and represents a classic example of how insufficient input validation can lead to complete system compromise. The attack vector demonstrates characteristics consistent with the ATT&CK framework's technique T1190 for exploiting vulnerabilities in remote services, where attackers leverage unpatched applications to gain initial access.
Organizations affected by CVE-2016-1524 should implement immediate mitigations including applying the vendor-provided security patches, implementing strict file type validation on all upload endpoints, and restricting file upload functionality to authorized users only. Network segmentation and monitoring of file upload activities should be enhanced to detect suspicious patterns. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of implementing the principle of least privilege, where web applications should run with minimal necessary permissions and access rights. Additionally, regular security assessments of network management systems should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities, as this flaw represents a common pattern in web application security that affects numerous vendors and platforms. The incident underscores the critical need for comprehensive input validation and secure coding practices throughout the software development lifecycle to prevent such persistent security weaknesses from being introduced into network infrastructure applications.