CVE-2016-1997 in Operations Orchestration
Summary
by MITRE
HPE Operations Orchestration 10.x before 10.51 and Operations Orchestration content before 1.7.0 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands via a crafted serialized Java object, related to the Apache Commons Collections library.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/02/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-1997 affects HPE Operations Orchestration software versions 10.x prior to 10.51 and related content versions before 1.7.0. This represents a critical remote code execution flaw that stems from improper input validation within the application's deserialization process. The vulnerability specifically leverages the Apache Commons Collections library, which has been a frequent target for exploitation due to its widespread use in enterprise applications and the inherent risks associated with Java object deserialization. The flaw allows remote attackers to craft malicious serialized Java objects that, when processed by the vulnerable system, trigger arbitrary command execution on the target server. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of deserialization attacks that have become increasingly prevalent in enterprise environments where legacy systems continue to rely on outdated libraries.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the insecure deserialization mechanism within the Apache Commons Collections library, specifically targeting the LazyMap and Transformer classes that enable the creation of chains of method calls during object reconstruction. Attackers can construct serialized objects containing malicious payload data that, when deserialized by the vulnerable HPE Operations Orchestration system, executes arbitrary commands with the privileges of the running application. The exploitation process typically involves creating a gadget chain that leverages the library's internal mechanisms to invoke system commands through reflection or other Java runtime features. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-502, which describes the weakness of deserializing untrusted data, and represents a classic example of how insecure deserialization can lead to complete system compromise. The attack vector requires no authentication and can be executed remotely, making it particularly dangerous for enterprise environments where such systems are often exposed to untrusted networks.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-1997 is severe and far-reaching for organizations utilizing affected HPE Operations Orchestration systems. Successful exploitation can result in complete system compromise, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code, escalate privileges, and potentially establish persistent backdoors within the network. The vulnerability affects critical infrastructure management systems that orchestrate complex business processes, making the potential damage substantial. Organizations may face data breaches, system downtime, and regulatory compliance violations if such systems are compromised. The attack surface is particularly concerning because HPE Operations Orchestration systems often operate in privileged environments with access to sensitive network resources and business-critical applications. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which covers the execution of commands through Java runtime environments, and demonstrates how attackers can leverage common enterprise libraries to bypass traditional security controls. The impact extends beyond immediate system compromise to include potential lateral movement within networks and the ability to access other connected systems through the compromised orchestration platform.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-1997 should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems to version 10.51 or later for HPE Operations Orchestration and content version 1.7.0 or later. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to limit access to vulnerable systems and deploy intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts. Additional defensive measures include disabling unnecessary deserialization capabilities, implementing strict input validation for serialized data, and conducting thorough security assessments of all Java applications using Apache Commons Collections. Security teams should consider implementing application whitelisting policies and monitoring for suspicious deserialization activities. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date dependencies and following secure coding practices to prevent similar issues in the future. Organizations should also establish robust vulnerability management processes that include regular security assessments of third-party libraries and components to identify and remediate potential security flaws before they can be exploited by malicious actors.