CVE-2017-12488 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.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/07/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-12488 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 remote code execution vulnerability allows unauthorized attackers to execute arbitrary code on the affected system without requiring authentication, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where network management systems serve as central control points for critical infrastructure operations.
The technical nature of this flaw stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the HPE iMC PLAT web interface, specifically within the handling of user-supplied data in HTTP request parameters. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by crafting malicious requests that bypass authentication checks and directly manipulate system processes through vulnerable input fields. This weakness falls under the CWE-20 category of "Improper Input Validation" and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell" as attackers can leverage the executed code to establish persistent access, escalate privileges, or deploy additional malicious payloads.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple remote code execution, as the HPE iMC PLAT serves as a comprehensive network management solution that controls various network devices, monitors system performance, and manages user access across enterprise networks. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability gains access to sensitive network information, can manipulate network configurations, and potentially compromise the entire network infrastructure. The vulnerability affects organizations that rely on HPE iMC for their network management operations, particularly those in sectors such as finance, healthcare, and government where network security is paramount.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigation strategies including applying the patched version HPE Intelligent Management Center PLAT v7.3 (E0506) or any subsequent release that addresses this vulnerability. Network segmentation should be implemented to isolate the iMC system from critical network segments, and additional monitoring should be deployed to detect suspicious activities in the web interface logs. Security teams should also conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments of their network management infrastructure and consider implementing web application firewalls to provide additional protection layers against similar exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of timely patch management and maintaining up-to-date security configurations in enterprise network management systems.