CVE-2016-8511 in Network Automation
Summary
by MITRE
A Remote Code Execution vulnerability in HPE Network Automation using RPCServlet and Java Deserialization version v9.1x, v9.2x, v10.00, v10.00.01, v10.00.02, v10.10, v10.11, v10.11.01, v10.20 was found.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/04/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-8511 represents a critical remote code execution flaw within HPE Network Automation software across multiple version ranges including v9.1x, v9.2x, v10.00, v10.00.01, v10.00.02, v10.10, v10.11, v10.11.01, and v10.20. This issue specifically affects the RPCServlet component and exploits Java deserialization vulnerabilities that have been classified under CWE-502. The flaw enables attackers to execute arbitrary code on the target system without requiring authentication, making it particularly dangerous for network infrastructure management platforms.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the Java deserialization process within the RPCServlet interface, which processes incoming serialized data from remote clients. When the system receives maliciously crafted serialized objects, it attempts to deserialize them without proper validation, allowing attackers to inject and execute arbitrary Java bytecode. This deserialization flaw aligns with common attack patterns documented in the ATT&CK framework under the technique of "Command and Scripting Interpreter" with specific relevance to "Java Deserialization" as a method for privilege escalation and lateral movement. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the application layer and can be exploited remotely, potentially allowing attackers to gain full control over the network automation platform.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with complete access to the underlying network infrastructure management capabilities. Organizations using affected HPE Network Automation versions face significant risks including unauthorized network configuration changes, data exfiltration, and potential compromise of the entire network automation ecosystem. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers can exploit it from outside the network perimeter, making traditional network segmentation measures insufficient for protection. This flaw directly impacts the integrity and availability of network operations, potentially causing widespread disruption to network management functions and creating opportunities for further attacks within the network infrastructure.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including applying the latest security patches from HPE, implementing network segmentation to restrict access to the RPCServlet endpoints, and deploying web application firewalls to monitor and filter deserialization requests. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and secure coding practices, particularly when handling serialized data in enterprise applications. Additional defensive measures should include regular security assessments of Java-based applications, implementation of runtime application self-protection mechanisms, and monitoring for suspicious deserialization activities. The ATT&CK framework recommends implementing strict access controls and network monitoring to detect unauthorized access attempts, while CWE guidelines emphasize the need for proper object validation and secure deserialization practices in Java applications to prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in the future.