CVE-2016-3063 in OnCommand System Manager
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple functions in NetApp OnCommand System Manager before 8.3.2 do not properly escape special characters, which allows remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary API calls via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/11/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-3063 affects NetApp OnCommand System Manager version 8.3.2 and earlier, representing a critical security flaw in the management interface for NetApp storage systems. This issue stems from improper input validation and sanitization within multiple functions of the system manager application, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit the system through API call manipulation. The vulnerability specifically targets the handling of special characters within user-supplied data, which fails to implement adequate escaping mechanisms that would prevent malicious input from being interpreted as executable commands or API directives.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows authenticated attackers to manipulate API calls through unspecified vectors, leveraging the insufficient character escaping to inject malicious payloads into system operations. This flaw operates at the application layer and represents a classic command injection vulnerability, where user-controlled input flows directly into API execution contexts without proper sanitization. The absence of proper input validation creates a condition where specially crafted parameters can bypass normal security controls and execute unintended operations within the system's API framework.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to enterprise storage environments managed by NetApp OnCommand System Manager. An attacker with valid authentication credentials can potentially execute arbitrary API calls, which may lead to unauthorized data access, system configuration changes, or even complete system compromise depending on the privileges of the authenticated user. The impact extends beyond simple data theft, as the ability to manipulate API calls could enable attackers to modify storage configurations, delete data, or disrupt critical business operations. The authenticated nature of the attack requires an attacker to first obtain valid credentials, but this access point provides a powerful escalation vector once compromised.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-74 and CWE-89 categories, which address improper neutralization of special elements used in data queries and command injection scenarios respectively. These classifications indicate that the flaw represents a fundamental weakness in input handling and command construction within the application's API processing functions. The ATT&CK framework would categorize this vulnerability under T1059 for command and script injection techniques, where the attacker leverages the system's own API execution mechanisms against itself. Organizations implementing NetApp OnCommand System Manager should prioritize immediate remediation through the available patches and updates, while also implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit the potential impact of credential compromise.
Mitigation strategies should include applying the vendor-provided security patches for NetApp OnCommand System Manager version 8.3.2 or later, which address the character escaping deficiencies in the affected functions. Network administrators should also implement robust monitoring of API call patterns to detect anomalous behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additional defensive measures include enforcing least privilege access controls, implementing multi-factor authentication for system management interfaces, and regularly auditing system logs for unauthorized API activity. Organizations should also consider network-level controls such as web application firewalls that can help detect and block malicious input patterns attempting to exploit similar vulnerabilities in the system's API processing functions.