CVE-2017-12508 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-2017-12508 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 management center's web interface and authentication mechanisms, creating an attack vector that allows unauthorized remote adversaries to execute arbitrary code on the target system without requiring valid credentials. The flaw specifically affects the platform's handling of user authentication and session management processes, which are fundamental components of any enterprise network management solution.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation and insufficient authentication controls within the iMC PLAT web application framework. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious HTTP requests that bypass authentication mechanisms and gain access to administrative functions. This flaw aligns with CWE-287 which addresses improper authentication issues, and represents a classic example of how weak session management can lead to complete system compromise. The vulnerability manifests when the system fails to properly validate user credentials and authorization levels, allowing attackers to escalate privileges and execute malicious code remotely. The affected version PLAT 7.3 (E0504) contains a specific implementation flaw in its authentication handler that does not adequately sanitize user inputs or verify session integrity.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple unauthorized access, as it provides attackers with complete administrative control over the HPE iMC platform and potentially the underlying network infrastructure it manages. Organizations using this vulnerable version face risks including data exfiltration, network reconnaissance, lateral movement attacks, and complete system compromise. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that iMC platforms typically manage critical network components such as switches, routers, firewalls, and other network devices, making this vulnerability a prime target for advanced persistent threats. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1078 (Valid Accounts) and T1059 (Command and Scripting Interpreter) techniques, as attackers can leverage the compromised system to execute commands and maintain persistence within the network environment.
Security professionals should prioritize immediate remediation of this vulnerability by upgrading to HPE Intelligent Management Center PLAT v7.3 (E0506) or any subsequent version that addresses this flaw. The patch released in version E0506 includes enhanced authentication mechanisms, improved input validation, and strengthened session management controls that effectively mitigate the remote code execution risk. Organizations without immediate access to the updated version should implement network segmentation, firewall restrictions, and monitoring controls to limit exposure while planning the upgrade. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of keeping enterprise management platforms updated and maintaining robust security controls around privileged access points. Organizations should also conduct thorough vulnerability assessments and penetration testing to identify any potential exploitation attempts and ensure comprehensive network security posture.