CVE-2016-1542 in BladeLogic Server Automation
Summary
by MITRE
The RPC API in RSCD agent in BMC BladeLogic Server Automation (BSA) 8.2.x, 8.3.x, 8.5.x, 8.6.x, and 8.7.x on Linux and UNIX allows remote attackers to bypass authorization and enumerate users by sending an action packet to xmlrpc after an authorization failure.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/19/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-1542 affects the Remote Procedure Call API within the RSCD agent of BMC BladeLogic Server Automation versions 8.2.x through 8.7.x across Linux and UNIX platforms. This represents a critical authorization bypass flaw that undermines the security controls designed to protect the automation platform. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the system attempts to handle xmlrpc action packets following an initial authorization failure, creating a pathway for unauthorized access that directly contradicts fundamental security principles of access control and authentication enforcement.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of authentication states within the RSCD agent's RPC interface. When an initial authorization attempt fails, the system should properly reject subsequent requests and maintain strict access controls. However, the flaw allows attackers to craft specific xmlrpc action packets that can bypass these authorization mechanisms entirely. This behavior creates a state transition vulnerability where the system fails to properly validate authentication status, enabling attackers to escalate privileges and gain unauthorized access to the automation environment. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and specifically targets the xmlrpc communication protocol used for remote management operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access to encompass comprehensive user enumeration capabilities. Attackers can leverage this flaw to discover valid user accounts within the system, providing them with valuable intelligence for further attacks. This enumeration capability significantly increases the attack surface and enables more sophisticated exploitation techniques. The vulnerability affects multiple versions of the BMC BladeLogic Server Automation platform, indicating a widespread exposure across the user base and creating a substantial risk for organizations relying on this automation infrastructure. The remote nature of the attack means that adversaries can exploit this vulnerability from outside the network perimeter without requiring physical access or prior credentials.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigations including disabling xmlrpc access where possible, implementing strict network segmentation, and applying the vendor-provided patches. The flaw aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control, and demonstrates characteristics consistent with ATT&CK technique T1078 for valid accounts and T1566 for social engineering. Security teams should monitor for suspicious xmlrpc traffic patterns and implement robust logging mechanisms to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of proper state management in authentication systems and underscores the need for comprehensive security testing of remote management interfaces. Organizations must also consider implementing additional security controls such as multi-factor authentication and privileged access management solutions to reduce the overall risk exposure.