CVE-2016-8535 in Matrix Operating Environment
Summary
by MITRE
A remote HTTP parameter Pollution vulnerability in HPE Matrix Operating Environment version 7.6 was found.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/05/2020
The vulnerability CVE-2016-8535 represents a critical remote HTTP parameter pollution issue discovered in HPE Matrix Operating Environment version 7.6, which falls under the broader category of input validation flaws that can severely compromise web application security. This vulnerability specifically affects the handling of HTTP parameters within the HPE Matrix environment, creating potential attack vectors that could be exploited by remote adversaries to manipulate application behavior. The issue stems from improper validation and sanitization of user-supplied HTTP parameters, allowing attackers to inject or manipulate parameter values that are processed by the application's backend systems. Such vulnerabilities are particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where matrix operating systems manage critical infrastructure components and data flows.
The technical flaw manifests when the HPE Matrix Operating Environment fails to properly distinguish between legitimate and malicious HTTP parameters, leading to situations where multiple parameters with the same name are processed in unexpected ways. This can result in parameter overwriting, injection of unintended values, or manipulation of application logic flows that depend on specific parameter values. The vulnerability is classified as a variant of CWE-1074, which describes improper handling of HTTP parameters, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1213.002 related to data from information repositories. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious HTTP requests containing duplicate parameter names or by manipulating parameter order and values to bypass security controls or alter application behavior.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-8535 extends beyond simple data manipulation, as it can potentially allow attackers to escalate privileges, access unauthorized resources, or disrupt normal system operations within the HPE Matrix environment. Since the vulnerability exists at the HTTP parameter handling level, it can affect multiple application functions that rely on parameter validation, including authentication mechanisms, authorization checks, and data processing workflows. Organizations using HPE Matrix Operating Environment version 7.6 face significant risks, particularly in environments where the system manages sensitive operational data or controls critical infrastructure components. The remote nature of the vulnerability means that attackers do not require physical access or local system credentials to exploit the flaw, making it especially concerning for enterprise security postures.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-8535 should focus on implementing robust input validation and parameter sanitization controls within the HPE Matrix environment. Organizations should prioritize applying the official HPE security patches and updates released to address this specific vulnerability. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls and HTTP parameter validation rules can provide additional defense-in-depth measures to detect and block malicious parameter manipulation attempts. Security teams should also implement comprehensive monitoring of HTTP parameter handling within the application environment to identify potential exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and code reviews focusing on parameter handling practices can help identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications or custom code components that may be subject to the same class of flaws. The remediation process should include thorough testing to ensure that parameter validation changes do not inadvertently break legitimate application functionality while effectively addressing the identified vulnerability.