CVE-2016-5750 in Access Manager
Summary
by MITRE
The certificate upload feature in iManager in NetIQ Access Manager 4.1 before 4.1.2 Hot Fix 1 and 4.2 before 4.2.2 could be used to upload JSP pages that would be executed as the iManager user, allowing code execution by logged-in remote users.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/11/2020
The vulnerability described in CVE-2016-5750 represents a critical server-side code execution flaw within NetIQ Access Manager's iManager component. This issue specifically targets the certificate upload functionality that was designed to handle digital certificates for authentication purposes. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly restrict file types during the upload process, creating an avenue for malicious actors to bypass security controls.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows attackers to upload malicious JSP (Java Server Pages) files through the certificate upload feature. When these files are processed by the application server, they execute with the privileges of the iManager user account, which typically operates with elevated permissions within the system. This privilege escalation occurs because the application does not properly validate file extensions or content types, permitting the upload of executable web content that can be triggered through subsequent requests to the application. The vulnerability specifically affects versions prior to the mentioned hotfixes, indicating that the vendor had identified and addressed the issue in their security updates.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, as it enables authenticated remote code execution with potential system compromise. Since the attack requires only a logged-in user session, the threat surface is significantly expanded beyond traditional perimeter-based attacks. An attacker who gains access to a legitimate user account can leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code on the server, potentially leading to full system compromise, data exfiltration, or use as a foothold for further network penetration. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-434, which specifically addresses insecure file upload vulnerabilities where applications accept files without proper validation. This weakness creates a direct pathway for attackers to establish persistent access and escalate privileges within the targeted environment.
The security implications extend beyond immediate code execution, as this vulnerability can be exploited as part of broader attack chains within the MITRE ATT&CK framework. The flaw enables techniques categorized under T1059.007 for application layer execution and T1078 for valid accounts, since attackers can leverage existing user sessions to perform malicious activities. Organizations using affected NetIQ Access Manager versions face significant risk of unauthorized access, data breaches, and potential lateral movement within their networks. The vulnerability demonstrates poor input validation practices and highlights the critical importance of implementing proper file type restrictions and content verification mechanisms in web applications. Organizations should immediately implement the vendor-provided hotfixes and conduct comprehensive security assessments of their access management systems to identify potential exploitation attempts and ensure proper patch management procedures are in place to prevent similar vulnerabilities in other components.