CVE-2016-9044 in WebFOCUS Business Intelligence
Summary
by MITRE
An exploitable command execution vulnerability exists in Information Builders WebFOCUS Business Intelligence Portal 8.1 . A specially crafted web parameter can cause a command injection. An authenticated attacker can send a crafted web request to trigger this vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/21/2020
The CVE-2016-9044 vulnerability represents a critical command execution flaw within Information Builders WebFOCUS Business Intelligence Portal version 8.1, classified under CWE-77 in the Common Weakness Enumeration catalog. This vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the web application's parameter processing logic, specifically affecting how the system handles user-supplied data in web requests. The flaw allows for arbitrary command injection attacks, where an attacker can execute malicious commands on the underlying operating system with the privileges of the web application server process. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it requires only authenticated access to exploit, meaning that an attacker with valid credentials can leverage this weakness to gain unauthorized system access and potentially escalate privileges within the network environment.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of web parameters that are improperly validated before being processed by the application. When an authenticated user submits a crafted web request containing malicious input in specific parameters, the application fails to properly sanitize or escape these inputs before using them in system commands or shell executions. This lack of proper input validation creates a direct pathway for command injection attacks, where attacker-controlled commands can be executed on the target system. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the application level, bypassing traditional network-based security controls and potentially allowing for complete system compromise. The attack vector specifically targets the web portal's handling of user input, making it a prime example of insecure programming practices that violate fundamental security principles outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and other industry security standards.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-9044 extends beyond immediate command execution capabilities to encompass potential data breaches, system compromise, and network lateral movement. An authenticated attacker can leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code, potentially gaining access to sensitive business intelligence data, extracting confidential information, or establishing persistent backdoors within the organization's network. The vulnerability's presence in a business intelligence portal environment is particularly concerning as these systems often contain valuable corporate data and may have elevated privileges within the network infrastructure. The exploitation of this vulnerability can lead to complete system compromise, allowing attackers to perform actions such as creating new user accounts, modifying system configurations, installing malware, or conducting further reconnaissance to identify additional targets within the network. This type of vulnerability directly maps to several ATT&CK techniques including command and control through legitimate network protocols, privilege escalation, and defense evasion tactics.
Organizations affected by CVE-2016-9044 should implement immediate mitigations including applying the vendor-provided security patches, implementing robust input validation mechanisms, and restricting network access to the affected WebFOCUS portal. Security measures should include disabling unnecessary features, implementing web application firewalls, and conducting thorough penetration testing to identify similar vulnerabilities within the application stack. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure coding practices and input validation, as highlighted in various security frameworks including NIST SP 800-53 and ISO 27001 standards. Additionally, implementing network segmentation and monitoring for unusual command execution patterns can help detect exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing principle of least privilege access controls and regularly reviewing user permissions to minimize the potential impact of authenticated attacks. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of regular security assessments and vulnerability management programs to identify and remediate such critical flaws before they can be exploited by malicious actors.