CVE-2016-5073 in NMS
Summary
by MITRE
CloudView NMS before 2.10a has XSS via SNMP.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/28/2020
The CloudView Network Management System represents a critical vulnerability in network monitoring software where cross-site scripting flaws enable unauthorized code execution through SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) interfaces. This vulnerability specifically affects versions prior to 2.10a, indicating a long-standing security weakness that could have been exploited by attackers for extended periods. The issue stems from inadequate input validation and output encoding within the SNMP handling components of the management system, creating a pathway for malicious actors to inject persistent scripts into web interfaces that display SNMP data.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when SNMP data containing malicious script code is processed and displayed within the CloudView NMS web interface without proper sanitization. This allows attackers to craft specially formatted SNMP traps or responses that, when viewed by authenticated users, execute arbitrary JavaScript code within the browser context of the management console. The flaw manifests as a classic XSS vulnerability categorized under CWE-79, which specifically addresses Cross-Site Scripting in web applications. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to steal session cookies, perform unauthorized administrative actions, or redirect users to malicious sites that can further compromise the network management infrastructure.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-5073 extends beyond simple script injection, as it fundamentally undermines the security posture of network management systems that rely on CloudView NMS for monitoring and control. Organizations using affected versions face significant risks including unauthorized access to critical network management functions, potential data exfiltration through stolen credentials, and the possibility of attackers establishing persistent backdoors within the network monitoring infrastructure. The vulnerability particularly affects environments where network administrators regularly interact with SNMP data through web interfaces, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to compromise network operations and gain deeper access to enterprise networks.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching to version 2.10a or later, which includes proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms for SNMP data handling. Organizations should implement additional security controls such as network segmentation to limit access to the CloudView NMS interface, enforce strict access controls through role-based permissions, and deploy web application firewalls to monitor and filter potentially malicious SNMP traffic. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1566 for Phishing and T1071 for Application Layer Protocol, highlighting the need for comprehensive network security monitoring and user awareness training to prevent exploitation. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be implemented to identify similar weaknesses in other network management systems and ensure overall network resilience against such persistent threats.