CVE-2016-4399 in Network Node Manager i
Summary
by MITRE
A security vulnerability was identified in HP Network Node Manager i (NNMi) Software 10.00, 10.01 (patch1), 10.01 (patch 2), 10.10. The vulnerability could result in cross-site scripting (XSS).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/30/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-4399 affects HP Network Node Manager i (NNMi) software versions 10.00, 10.01 (patch1), 10.01 (patch2), and 10.10, representing a critical cross-site scripting flaw that exposes organizations to significant web application security risks. This vulnerability resides within the web interface of the network management software, which is commonly used by IT administrators to monitor and manage network infrastructure components including routers, switches, and servers. The affected software serves as a centralized management platform for enterprise networks, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to exploit web application vulnerabilities.
The technical flaw manifests as a cross-site scripting vulnerability that allows remote attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users. This occurs when the application fails to properly validate and sanitize user input before rendering it in web responses, creating an environment where attacker-controlled data can be executed as client-side scripts. The vulnerability specifically impacts the web interface components of NNMi that handle user-supplied data, enabling attackers to craft malicious payloads that exploit the lack of proper input sanitization mechanisms. This weakness aligns with CWE-79, which categorizes cross-site scripting vulnerabilities as a fundamental web application security flaw, and represents a classic example of how insufficient input validation can lead to severe security consequences.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable attackers to perform various malicious activities including session hijacking, data theft, and privilege escalation within the network management environment. Attackers could potentially steal administrator credentials, access sensitive network configuration data, or manipulate network monitoring information to hide their activities. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers do not require local access to the system, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where network management tools are accessible from external networks. This exposure creates a significant risk for organizations that rely on NNMi for critical network operations, as successful exploitation could compromise the integrity of network monitoring and management functions. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a web application attack vector under the technique of "Cross-Site Scripting" (T1059.008), where adversaries leverage web vulnerabilities to execute code in the context of a user's browser session.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately implement mitigations including applying the vendor-provided patches, implementing web application firewalls to filter malicious requests, and conducting thorough security assessments of the affected systems. Network segmentation and access controls should be reviewed to limit exposure of the vulnerable web interface to untrusted networks. Additionally, security teams should monitor for indicators of compromise, particularly unusual network traffic patterns or unauthorized access attempts to the NNMi management interface. The vulnerability's classification as a medium to high severity issue according to industry standards emphasizes the need for prompt remediation, as it represents a persistent threat to network management infrastructure that could ultimately lead to broader system compromise. Regular vulnerability assessments and security monitoring should be implemented to detect similar weaknesses in other network management tools and web applications within the organization's infrastructure.