CVE-2017-12489 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 CVE-2017-12489 represents a critical remote code execution flaw within HPE Intelligent Management Center PLAT version 7.3 E0504, exposing organizations to significant cybersecurity risks. This issue affects HPE's comprehensive network management platform that serves as a central hub for monitoring and managing enterprise network infrastructure. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the iMC platform's web interface, creating an attack vector that allows remote unauthenticated adversaries to execute arbitrary code on the target system. The flaw specifically manifests in the platform's handling of user-supplied data within certain administrative functions, enabling attackers to bypass authentication mechanisms and gain full system control.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability involves manipulating specific parameters within the iMC web application to inject malicious code that executes with the privileges of the web server process. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-77 and CWE-94 categories, representing command injection and code injection flaws respectively, which are fundamental weaknesses in application security design. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that iMC platforms typically operate within enterprise networks and often maintain elevated privileges, making successful exploitation potentially devastating for network infrastructure security. The vulnerability's classification under the MITRE ATT&CK framework would fall under T1059.007 for command and script injection, demonstrating how attackers can leverage such flaws to establish persistent access and execute malicious payloads.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-12489 extends far beyond simple unauthorized access, as successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise and potential lateral movement within the enterprise network. Organizations utilizing affected iMC versions face risks including data exfiltration, network disruption, and the establishment of persistent backdoors that could remain undetected for extended periods. The vulnerability's severity is amplified by the fact that it affects the platform's core management functions, potentially allowing attackers to manipulate network configurations, disable security controls, or use the compromised system as a launch point for further attacks against other network segments. Network administrators may experience service degradation or complete outages if attackers leverage this vulnerability to disrupt critical network management operations.
Organizations should immediately implement the remediation measures provided by HPE through the release of PLAT version 7.3 E0506 or subsequent updates, as this represents the official patch addressing the vulnerability. The patching process should include thorough testing in non-production environments to ensure compatibility with existing network management workflows and configurations. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive network monitoring to detect any anomalous activities that might indicate exploitation attempts, particularly focusing on unusual network traffic patterns or unauthorized access logs. Security teams should also review and strengthen their network segmentation strategies to limit the potential impact of any successful exploitation attempts, implementing principle of least privilege access controls and regular security assessments of the iMC platform. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of maintaining current security patches and implementing robust security monitoring procedures for enterprise network management systems.