CVE-2017-12487 in iMC PLAT
Summary
by MITRE
A Remote Code Execution vulnerability in HPE Intelligent Management Center (iMC) PLAT version PLAT 7.3 (E0504) was found. The problem was resolved in HPE Intelligent Management Center PLAT v7.3 (E0506) or any subsequent version.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/07/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-12487 represents a critical remote code execution flaw within HPE Intelligent Management Center PLAT version 7.3 (E0504) that exposes organizations to significant operational risks. This vulnerability resides within the iMC platform's web interface and authentication mechanisms, creating an attack surface that malicious actors can exploit to gain unauthorized access to the system. The flaw specifically impacts the platform's handling of user authentication and session management, allowing attackers to bypass security controls and execute arbitrary code on the affected system. Organizations utilizing this version of HPE iMC face potential exposure to full system compromise, data exfiltration, and disruption of network management operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation and authentication bypass mechanisms within the web application layer of HPE iMC. Attackers can leverage this flaw by sending specially crafted requests that manipulate the authentication process, potentially allowing them to escalate privileges or establish persistent access to the system. The vulnerability manifests through weaknesses in how the application processes user credentials and session tokens, creating opportunities for attackers to manipulate authentication flows. This type of flaw typically aligns with CWE-287 which addresses improper authentication issues, and may also relate to CWE-94 which covers execution of arbitrary code. The attack vector requires network access to the vulnerable system and can be executed remotely without requiring prior authentication, making it particularly dangerous for network management platforms that are often exposed to external networks.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-12487 extends beyond simple system compromise, as it enables attackers to potentially gain complete control over network infrastructure management functions. Organizations using HPE iMC for network monitoring, device management, and security operations may experience complete disruption of their network management capabilities. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to modify network configurations, disable security controls, or establish backdoors for continued access. The platform's role as a central management point for network infrastructure makes this vulnerability particularly attractive to threat actors, as it provides access to multiple network devices and management functions. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to techniques such as T1078 for valid accounts and T1059 for command and scripting interpreter, enabling attackers to maintain persistence and execute malicious code within the network environment.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigation strategies to address this vulnerability, beginning with upgrading to HPE Intelligent Management Center PLAT version 7.3 (E0506) or later releases where the flaw has been patched. The remediation process should include comprehensive network segmentation to limit exposure of the iMC platform to untrusted networks, along with implementing additional authentication controls and monitoring for suspicious activities. Security teams should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify all instances of the affected software version and ensure proper patch management procedures are in place. Network administrators should also implement intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts and establish incident response procedures specific to this vulnerability. Additional protective measures include disabling unnecessary services, implementing strong access controls, and maintaining detailed audit logs to detect unauthorized access attempts. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution flaw emphasizes the critical importance of timely patch deployment and continuous monitoring of network management systems for similar vulnerabilities.