CVE-2016-2002 in Vertica
Summary
by MITRE
The validateAdminConfig handler in the Analytics Management Console in HPE Vertica 7.0.x before 7.0.2.12, 7.1.x before 7.1.2-12, and 7.2.x before 7.2.2-1 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands via the mcPort parameter, aka ZDI-CAN-3417.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/19/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-2002 represents a critical remote command execution flaw within the Analytics Management Console of HPE Vertica database systems. This security weakness resides in the validateAdminConfig handler component which processes administrative configuration requests. The vulnerability specifically affects versions 7.0.x prior to 7.0.2.12, 7.1.x prior to 7.1.2-12, and 7.2.x prior to 7.2.2-1, creating a significant attack surface for malicious actors targeting database infrastructure. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the mcPort parameter processing functionality, allowing attackers to inject and execute arbitrary commands on the affected system.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of the mcPort parameter within the validateAdminConfig handler. When the system processes administrative configuration requests containing malicious input in the mcPort field, it fails to properly validate or sanitize the input before using it in system operations. This inadequate input handling creates a path for command injection attacks where attackers can craft specially formatted payloads that get interpreted and executed by the underlying operating system. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-77 which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in command execution contexts, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and script injection. The attack vector requires remote access to the Analytics Management Console, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited from external networks without requiring local system access.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized command execution, as it provides attackers with full administrative control over affected Vertica database systems. Successful exploitation allows adversaries to perform actions including but not limited to data exfiltration, system compromise, privilege escalation, and deployment of additional malicious software. Database administrators face severe risks including potential data breaches, system downtime, and complete loss of database integrity. The vulnerability affects organizations using HPE Vertica in production environments where the Analytics Management Console is exposed to external networks, potentially impacting critical business data and operations. Organizations with databases containing sensitive information such as financial records, personal data, or intellectual property face heightened risk of data compromise and regulatory violations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-2002 should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems to the latest available versions of HPE Vertica that contain the necessary security fixes. Organizations should implement network segmentation to restrict access to the Analytics Management Console, limiting exposure to trusted internal networks only. Additional defensive measures include implementing strict input validation at network boundaries, monitoring for suspicious parameter values in system logs, and conducting regular security assessments of database management interfaces. Security teams should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious payloads targeting the mcPort parameter. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and the potential consequences of inadequate sanitization of user-supplied data in administrative interfaces, emphasizing the need for comprehensive security testing and regular vulnerability assessments in database management systems.