CVE-2016-4389 in KeyView
Summary
by MITRE
The Filter SDK in HPE KeyView 10.18 through 10.24 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via unspecified vectors, a different vulnerability than CVE-2016-4387, CVE-2016-4388, and CVE-2016-4390.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/22/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-4389 represents a critical remote code execution flaw within the Filter SDK component of HPE KeyView software versions 10.18 through 10.24. This security weakness resides in the document processing and filtering capabilities that HPE KeyView provides for handling various file formats and content types. The Filter SDK serves as a core component responsible for parsing and processing different document formats, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to exploit the system remotely. Unlike other related vulnerabilities such as CVE-2016-4387, CVE-2016-4388, and CVE-2016-4390, this particular flaw manifests through distinct attack vectors that specifically target the SDK's filtering mechanisms.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and improper handling of malformed data within the Filter SDK's processing routines. When the SDK encounters specially crafted input files or data streams, it fails to properly sanitize or validate the content before processing, creating opportunities for attackers to inject malicious code that executes within the context of the running application. This flaw typically manifests through buffer overflows, memory corruption issues, or improper memory management practices that allow attackers to manipulate program execution flow. The vulnerability's classification aligns with common weakness enumerations such as CWE-121, which addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-787, which covers out-of-bounds write vulnerabilities. These weaknesses enable attackers to potentially overwrite critical memory locations and redirect program execution to malicious code.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-4389 extends significantly beyond simple data compromise, as successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive information. Attackers leveraging this vulnerability can execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected service or application, potentially gaining access to corporate networks, stealing confidential data, or establishing persistent backdoors. The remote nature of the attack means that threat actors do not require physical access to the target system, making the vulnerability particularly dangerous for organizations with exposed network services. This vulnerability can be particularly devastating in enterprise environments where HPE KeyView is deployed for document management, content filtering, or data processing tasks across multiple departments and systems.
Organizations affected by CVE-2016-4389 should implement immediate mitigation strategies including applying the latest security patches from HPE, implementing network segmentation to limit exposure, and monitoring for suspicious network activity or unauthorized access attempts. The vulnerability's alignment with ATT&CK framework technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter indicates that attackers may attempt to execute malicious commands through the compromised system. Security teams should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies, disabling unnecessary services, and conducting thorough vulnerability assessments to identify potential exploitation attempts. Additionally, organizations should review their incident response procedures to ensure rapid detection and containment of potential exploitation attempts, as this vulnerability could enable attackers to establish persistent access and conduct long-term reconnaissance activities within the target environment.