CVE-2016-5642 in NMIS
Summary
by MITRE
Opmantek NMIS before 8.5.12G has XSS via SNMP.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/28/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-5642 affects Opmantek NMIS versions prior to 8.5.12G and represents a cross-site scripting vulnerability that specifically exploits SNMP functionality within the network management system. This issue arises from insufficient input validation and output sanitization mechanisms when processing SNMP-related data, creating a pathway for malicious actors to inject arbitrary JavaScript code into the application's response. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it leverages SNMP, a widely used protocol for network device management and monitoring, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to compromise network infrastructure management systems.
The technical flaw manifests when the NMIS application processes SNMP data without properly sanitizing user-controllable input fields that are subsequently rendered in web responses. This allows an attacker to craft malicious SNMP queries or trap messages containing crafted JavaScript payloads that execute in the context of a victim's browser session. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-79 as a cross-site scripting flaw, which enables attackers to bypass access controls and potentially escalate privileges within the network management environment. The attack typically requires the attacker to have some level of access to the SNMP communication channels or to be able to manipulate SNMP traps sent to the system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution as it can enable attackers to steal session cookies, redirect users to malicious sites, or perform actions on behalf of authenticated users. In a network management context, this poses significant risks since NMIS systems often contain sensitive network topology information, device credentials, and operational data. Attackers could potentially use this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to network monitoring capabilities, manipulate network device configurations, or establish persistent access points within the monitored network infrastructure. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous when combined with other attack vectors since it can serve as a foothold for more extensive network compromise operations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-5642 primarily involve upgrading to Opmantek NMIS version 8.5.12G or later, which includes proper input validation and output sanitization measures for SNMP data handling. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to limit access to SNMP communication channels and ensure that only authorized systems can send SNMP traps to the NMIS server. Additional protective measures include implementing web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious JavaScript payloads, conducting regular security assessments of network management systems, and establishing proper monitoring for anomalous SNMP activity. The remediation aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter and T1566.001 for credential harvesting, as attackers could leverage this vulnerability to execute malicious code and potentially extract sensitive information from the compromised system.