CVE-2016-9491 in Applications Manager
Summary
by MITRE
ManageEngine Applications Manager 12 and 13 allows an authenticated user, who is able to access /register.do page (most likely limited to administrator), to browse the filesystem and read the system files, including Applications Manager configuration, stored private keys, etc. By default Application Manager is running with administrative privileges, therefore it is possible to access every directory on the underlying operating system.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/25/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-9491 affects ManageEngine Applications Manager versions 12 and 13, representing a critical directory traversal flaw that enables authenticated users to access arbitrary system files. This vulnerability exists within the application's registration page at /register.do, which is typically accessible only to administrators. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and access control mechanisms that fail to properly restrict file system access, allowing malicious actors with administrative privileges to navigate the underlying operating system's directory structure without proper authorization. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because Applications Manager typically runs with administrative privileges by default, amplifying the potential impact of unauthorized file system access.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits weak input sanitization within the application's file handling mechanisms, specifically during the registration process. When an authenticated administrator accesses the /register.do page, the application fails to properly validate user-supplied input parameters that control file system navigation. This allows an attacker to manipulate path traversal sequences that bypass normal access controls and gain access to sensitive system directories. The vulnerability can be exploited to read configuration files, extract stored private keys, and access other sensitive data that may contain credentials, system settings, or proprietary information. The underlying flaw aligns with CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal vulnerabilities.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, particularly given that Applications Manager typically operates with elevated privileges. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can access critical system files including configuration data that may contain database connection strings, encryption keys, and other sensitive operational parameters. The exposure of private keys stored within the system configuration files poses significant risks for cryptographic security, potentially enabling further attacks against encrypted communications or authentication systems. Additionally, the ability to browse the entire file system allows attackers to discover additional vulnerabilities, gather intelligence about the system's structure, and potentially escalate their privileges further. This vulnerability essentially provides a backdoor into the underlying operating system, making it a prime target for attackers seeking persistent access to the affected environment.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately implement several mitigation strategies to reduce risk exposure. The most critical immediate action involves applying the vendor-provided security patches or updates that address the path traversal vulnerability in the registration component. Administrators should also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit who can access the /register.do endpoint, ensuring that only trusted administrative users can reach this page. Additionally, regular security audits should be conducted to verify that the application is not running with unnecessary administrative privileges, and that file system access controls are properly configured. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of principle of least privilege and proper input validation, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1078 for valid accounts and T1566 for credential access through exploitation of vulnerabilities. Organizations should also consider implementing file integrity monitoring solutions to detect unauthorized access to sensitive system files and establish comprehensive incident response procedures for handling such security breaches.