CVE-2016-2396 in SonicWall
Summary
by MITRE
The GMS ViewPoint (GMSVP) web application in Dell SonicWALL GMS, Analyzer, and UMA EM5000 7.2, 8.0, and 8.1 before Hotfix 168056 allows remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary commands via vectors related to configuration input.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/08/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-2396 affects Dell SonicWALL GMS ViewPoint web application across multiple versions including 7.2, 8.0, and 8.1 before Hotfix 168056. This represents a critical command execution flaw that enables remote authenticated attackers to perform arbitrary code execution on affected systems. The vulnerability resides within the GMS ViewPoint component of Dell SonicWALL's management suite which is designed for centralized network security management and monitoring. The affected products include GMS (Global Management System), Analyzer, and UMA EM5000 appliances that are widely deployed in enterprise security infrastructures for firewall and network monitoring purposes.
The technical flaw manifests through insufficient input validation mechanisms in the configuration handling processes of the web application interface. Attackers who have already established legitimate authentication credentials can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious configuration inputs that bypass normal validation checks. This vulnerability falls under CWE-74, which describes "Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Output Used by a Downstream Component," and more specifically relates to CWE-94, "Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')." The attack vector involves authenticated users submitting specially crafted parameters through the web interface that are then processed without adequate sanitization, leading to command injection into the underlying system. This type of vulnerability represents a significant privilege escalation risk since the attacker only needs valid authentication credentials rather than administrative access to exploit the flaw.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it allows attackers to execute arbitrary commands with the privileges of the authenticated user account, potentially leading to complete system compromise. In enterprise environments where SonicWALL appliances serve as critical network security infrastructure, successful exploitation could result in unauthorized access to network traffic monitoring data, modification of security policies, or complete takeover of the management interface. The vulnerability affects the core management functionality of these appliances, potentially disrupting network security operations and exposing sensitive organizational data. Organizations using these appliances may face significant security risks including data breaches, unauthorized network access, and potential lateral movement within the network infrastructure. The impact extends beyond immediate system compromise to include potential regulatory compliance violations and reputational damage.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2396 should prioritize immediate deployment of the available vendor hotfix 168056 which addresses the input validation issues in the affected GMS ViewPoint components. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit access to these management interfaces and enforce strict access controls through role-based permissions. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous command execution patterns and unusual configuration changes within the affected appliances. Regular security assessments should include vulnerability scanning of network management systems to identify similar input validation weaknesses. The remediation process should also involve comprehensive user access reviews to ensure that only authorized personnel have access to these critical management interfaces. Additionally, implementing network access controls through firewalls and intrusion detection systems can help reduce the attack surface and limit potential exploitation of this vulnerability. Organizations should also consider implementing multi-factor authentication for administrative access and maintain detailed audit logs of all configuration changes to facilitate incident response activities. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure input handling in web applications and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059 for command and scripting interpreter, highlighting the need for robust input validation and sanitization measures in enterprise security infrastructure.