CVE-2016-4400 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-2016-4400 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within HP Network Node Manager i (NNMi) software versions 10.00, 10.01 (patch1), 10.01 (patch2), and 10.10. This security weakness resides in the web-based administrative interface of the network management platform, which is widely deployed in enterprise environments for monitoring and managing network infrastructure. The affected software serves as a centralized management solution for various network devices including routers, switches, and servers, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to compromise network monitoring systems. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the web application components, specifically in how the software handles user-supplied data in HTTP request parameters and form fields. This flaw allows malicious actors to inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users, potentially enabling unauthorized access to sensitive network information and system controls.
The technical exploitation of this XSS vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts malicious input containing script code that gets executed in the victim's browser context. The vulnerability manifests in multiple attack vectors within the NNMi web interface, including but not limited to parameter manipulation, form field injection, and URL parameter manipulation. Attackers can leverage this weakness to steal session cookies, redirect users to malicious websites, deface web interfaces, or execute unauthorized administrative commands. The flaw specifically affects the software's handling of user input in the web-based management console, where improperly sanitized data is reflected back to users without adequate HTML encoding or validation. This allows attackers to inject malicious JavaScript code that executes in the context of authenticated users, potentially leading to complete compromise of the network management system. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which categorizes cross-site scripting flaws as weaknesses in input validation and output encoding, and corresponds to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for scripting languages and T1566.001 for spearphishing attachments, as attackers can use this vulnerability to establish persistent access through malicious web content.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft or display manipulation, as it can lead to complete system compromise and unauthorized network access. Organizations utilizing affected NNMi versions face significant risks including unauthorized network device management, data exfiltration from network monitoring systems, and potential lateral movement within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability affects both the web console and potentially the underlying network management protocols, creating multiple attack surfaces for threat actors. Security professionals must consider the cascading effects of such a compromise, as network monitoring systems often contain sensitive information about network topology, device configurations, and operational status that could be exploited for further attacks. The impact is particularly severe in environments where NNMi serves as a central management point for critical network infrastructure, as successful exploitation could lead to service disruption, unauthorized access to network resources, and potential data breaches. Organizations may also face compliance violations if sensitive network information is compromised through this vulnerability, as it affects systems that typically handle classified network management data. The vulnerability's persistence and ease of exploitation make it particularly dangerous, as attackers can maintain access through injected scripts that continue to execute in user sessions. Mitigation efforts must include immediate patch deployment, network segmentation of management interfaces, and enhanced monitoring of web application traffic for suspicious script injection patterns.
The remediation approach for CVE-2016-4400 requires immediate implementation of HP security patches and updates for all affected NNMi versions. Organizations should prioritize patch management processes to ensure all network management systems are updated with the latest security fixes from HP. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and input validation controls can provide defense-in-depth protection against similar vulnerabilities. Security teams should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify any other potentially affected systems within their network infrastructure, as similar flaws may exist in other network management tools. Regular security testing and code reviews of web applications should be implemented to prevent similar input validation issues in future deployments. Network administrators should also consider implementing additional security controls such as multi-factor authentication for administrative access and regular security audits of network management interfaces. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date security practices and the critical need for organizations to establish robust patch management processes for network infrastructure management tools. Organizations should also review their incident response procedures to ensure they can quickly detect and respond to exploitation attempts targeting network management systems. The lessons learned from this vulnerability should inform broader security strategies for protecting critical infrastructure management platforms and emphasize the need for continuous monitoring and proactive security measures in enterprise network environments.