CVE-2016-1998 in Service Manager
Summary
by MITRE
HPE Service Manager (SM) 9.3x before 9.35 P4 and 9.4x before 9.41.P2 allows 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-2016-1998 affects HPE Service Manager versions 9.3x prior to 9.35 P4 and 9.4x prior to 9.41.P2, representing a critical remote code execution flaw that exploits the Apache Commons Collections library. This issue stems from insufficient input validation within the application's deserialization process, creating a pathway for attackers to inject malicious Java objects that execute arbitrary commands on the target system. The flaw specifically targets the use of the Commons Collections library, which is commonly employed for data manipulation and processing within enterprise applications.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability leverages the deserialization mechanism of Java applications, where objects are reconstructed from serialized data streams. When HPE Service Manager processes incoming data containing maliciously crafted serialized objects, the application's deserialization logic fails to properly validate or sanitize the input, allowing attackers to inject payloads that bypass normal security controls. This vulnerability is categorized under CWE-502 as "Deserialization of Untrusted Data," which represents a well-known attack vector where untrusted data is deserialized without proper validation, leading to arbitrary code execution. The attack surface is particularly concerning because it enables remote exploitation without requiring authentication, making it accessible to any attacker who can send crafted requests to the vulnerable system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, potentially allowing attackers to gain full system compromise, data exfiltration, and persistence within enterprise environments. Organizations running affected HPE Service Manager versions face significant risk of unauthorized access to critical business systems, especially since the vulnerability enables remote code execution without user interaction or authentication. Attackers can leverage this flaw to establish backdoors, escalate privileges, and conduct further reconnaissance within the network. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell," as the executed commands can include PowerShell scripts or other system commands that facilitate broader compromise. The widespread use of Apache Commons Collections in enterprise applications makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous, as similar patterns may exist in other systems using the same library.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including applying the vendor-provided patches for HPE Service Manager 9.35 P4 and 9.41.P2 releases, which address the deserialization vulnerability in the affected Commons Collections library versions. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to restrict access to the Service Manager application, particularly limiting exposure to untrusted networks. Additional protective measures include monitoring for suspicious deserialization patterns, implementing application whitelisting policies, and conducting thorough security assessments of the application's data handling processes. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and secure coding practices, particularly when dealing with serialized data in enterprise applications. Organizations should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems to identify potential exploitation attempts and maintain comprehensive incident response procedures to address potential compromises. Regular security updates and vulnerability assessments are essential to prevent similar issues in other components of the enterprise infrastructure that may utilize vulnerable libraries or frameworks.