CVE-2017-12533 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-2017-12533 represents a critical remote code execution flaw within HPE Intelligent Management Center PLAT version 7.3 (E0504) that poses significant security risks to enterprise network management systems. This vulnerability specifically affects the iMC platform's handling of user input within its web interface, creating an avenue for malicious actors to execute arbitrary code on the target system. The flaw exists in the platform's authentication and input validation mechanisms, which fail to properly sanitize user-supplied data before processing. This allows attackers to craft specially crafted requests that bypass normal security controls and gain unauthorized access to the underlying system. The vulnerability impacts organizations relying on HPE iMC for network management, potentially exposing critical infrastructure to compromise. According to industry standards, this vulnerability maps to CWE-77 and CWE-94, representing improper input validation and code injection respectively, both of which are fundamental security weaknesses that enable remote code execution. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a remote code execution technique that can be leveraged for initial access and privilege escalation within targeted networks. The specific nature of the vulnerability suggests that it may involve improper handling of serialized data or insufficient validation of user-provided parameters within the web application layer.
The technical exploitation of CVE-2017-12533 requires an attacker to send maliciously crafted requests to the affected HPE iMC PLAT system, typically through the web interface or API endpoints. The vulnerability likely stems from the platform's failure to properly validate and sanitize input parameters before using them in system commands or database queries. Attackers can leverage this flaw to execute arbitrary commands with the privileges of the web application service account, potentially leading to full system compromise. The exploitation process typically involves crafting HTTP requests that contain malicious payloads designed to trigger the code execution vulnerability. The affected version PLAT 7.3 (E0504) contained a specific code path where user input was directly incorporated into system operations without adequate sanitization, making it particularly susceptible to injection attacks. This vulnerability could be exploited by unauthorized users who have access to the iMC web interface, though the exact attack surface depends on the system's configuration and network exposure. The remediation process requires upgrading to HPE Intelligent Management Center PLAT v7.3 (E0506) or later versions, which include patches addressing the input validation flaws and implementing proper sanitization measures. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure while applying the necessary patches.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-12533 extends beyond immediate system compromise to encompass broader enterprise security implications. Organizations using affected HPE iMC versions face potential data breaches, system infiltration, and unauthorized access to critical network management functions. The vulnerability's remote execution capability means that attackers can exploit it from external networks without requiring physical access to the target infrastructure. This makes the platform particularly attractive to threat actors seeking to establish persistent access within enterprise environments. The attack surface is further expanded when considering that iMC systems often serve as central management points for network infrastructure, making successful exploitation potentially devastating to network operations and security posture. Security teams must consider the potential for lateral movement within the network once initial access is gained, as the compromised system could provide attackers with visibility into other connected systems. The vulnerability also impacts compliance requirements, as successful exploitation could result in violations of data protection regulations and security standards such as pci dss, iso 27001, and nist cybersecurity framework. Organizations should conduct thorough risk assessments to determine the full scope of potential impact, including identifying any systems that may be indirectly affected through compromised network management functions. The remediation process requires careful planning to ensure that patches do not disrupt existing network management operations while addressing the identified security flaw.