CVE-2016-2000 in Asset Manager
Summary
by MITRE
HPE Asset Manager 9.40, 9.41, and 9.50 and Asset Manager CloudSystem Chargeback 9.40 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands via a crafted serialized Java object, related to the Apache Commons Collections (ACC) library.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/03/2019
This vulnerability resides within HPE Asset Manager versions 9.40, 9.41, and 9.50 as well as Asset Manager CloudSystem Chargeback 9.40, representing a critical remote code execution flaw that leverages the well-known Apache Commons Collections library. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation and deserialization of untrusted data within the application's processing pipeline, specifically when handling serialized Java objects. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious serialized objects that, when processed by the vulnerable system, trigger arbitrary command execution on the target server. The flaw directly aligns with common weakness enumeration CWE-502 which categorizes unsafe deserialization of untrusted data as a significant security risk. This vulnerability enables attackers to bypass authentication mechanisms and execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected application, potentially leading to complete system compromise and data exfiltration. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it requires no authentication and can be executed remotely, making it highly attractive to threat actors seeking persistent access to enterprise environments.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of Java serialization mechanisms within the Apache Commons Collections library, which is widely used across enterprise applications. When the vulnerable HPE Asset Manager components process serialized data containing malicious payloads, the deserialization process triggers the execution of commands specified by the attacker. This type of attack follows the established patterns documented in the ATT&CK framework under technique T1059.007 for command and script execution, where adversaries leverage application vulnerabilities to execute arbitrary code. The vulnerability's impact is exacerbated by the fact that it affects multiple versions of the HPE Asset Manager suite, indicating a widespread exposure across organizations utilizing these platforms for asset management and chargeback calculations. The deserialization flaw typically involves the use of gadget chains within the Commons Collections library that can be leveraged to achieve remote code execution through the invocation of methods like Runtime.exec().
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond immediate system compromise to encompass significant business continuity and data security implications. Organizations relying on HPE Asset Manager for critical asset tracking and financial chargeback operations face potential exposure to unauthorized access and data manipulation. The vulnerability can be exploited to install backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive asset information, or disrupt business operations through denial of service conditions. Security teams must consider the broader implications for their network security posture, as compromised Asset Manager systems can serve as launching points for lateral movement within enterprise networks. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution flaw means that attackers can operate without physical access or user interaction, making detection and response more challenging. This type of vulnerability directly impacts the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of organizational data, particularly affecting the integrity of asset management systems that maintain critical business information.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate patching of affected HPE Asset Manager versions, as the vendor would have released security updates addressing the specific deserialization flaw in the Apache Commons Collections library. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit access to Asset Manager systems and deploy intrusion detection systems capable of identifying malicious deserialization attempts. Security configurations should include disabling unnecessary deserialization functionality and implementing strict input validation for all serialized data processing. The implementation of application whitelisting and runtime protection mechanisms can provide additional defense layers against exploitation attempts. Organizations should also conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify any other applications within their environment that may be using vulnerable versions of the Apache Commons Collections library. Regular security monitoring and log analysis should focus on unusual deserialization activities and command execution patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. The remediation process should include thorough testing of patches in non-production environments before deployment to ensure system stability and prevent operational disruptions. Additionally, security awareness training for system administrators should emphasize the importance of keeping third-party libraries updated and understanding the risks associated with deserialization vulnerabilities in enterprise applications.