CVE-2016-5074 in NMS
Summary
by MITRE
CloudView NMS before 2.10a has a format string issue exploitable over SNMP.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/28/2020
The CloudView Network Management System version 2.10a and earlier contains a critical format string vulnerability that can be exploited through the Simple Network Management Protocol interface. This vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the SNMP processing module where user-supplied data is directly used in format string functions without adequate sanitization. The flaw exists in the system's handling of SNMP trap messages and community strings, creating an opportunity for remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service condition.
This vulnerability maps to CWE-134 which specifically addresses the use of format strings inappropriately, where the format string itself is constructed from user-controllable data. The attack vector leverages the SNMP protocol which is commonly used for network monitoring and management, making this exposure particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where SNMP is widely deployed. When an attacker sends a specially crafted SNMP message containing format string specifiers, the system's processing routine interprets these as format directives rather than literal data, potentially leading to information disclosure, arbitrary code execution, or system crashes.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple exploitation as it affects the fundamental security posture of network management infrastructure. Attackers can leverage this weakness to gain unauthorized access to the management system, potentially escalating privileges to execute malicious commands with the privileges of the running process. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that adversaries do not require physical access or network proximity to the system. This weakness directly relates to ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers valid accounts and T1068 which involves exploit for privilege escalation, making it a significant threat to network security operations.
Mitigation strategies should include immediate patching to version 2.10a or later, which addresses the format string vulnerability through proper input validation and sanitization of SNMP data. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to restrict SNMP traffic to authorized management systems only, reducing the attack surface. Additional protective measures include monitoring for unusual SNMP traffic patterns, implementing SNMPv3 with strong authentication mechanisms, and conducting regular security assessments of network management systems. Organizations should also consider deploying intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts and establish incident response procedures for potential compromise of management systems. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation in network management protocols and highlights the need for robust security practices in enterprise infrastructure management systems.