CVE-2017-12536 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-2017-12536 represents a critical remote code execution flaw within HPE Intelligent Management Center PLAT version 7.3 (E0504) that poses significant operational risks to enterprise network management systems. This vulnerability resides in the web-based management interface of the iMC platform, which serves as a centralized control point for managing HPE networking equipment across large-scale enterprise environments. The affected system operates as a comprehensive network management solution that aggregates device information, performs configuration management, and provides monitoring capabilities for diverse network infrastructures.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the web application layer of the iMC platform. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious HTTP requests that bypass authentication checks and directly invoke system commands through improper sanitization of user-supplied parameters. This flaw specifically affects the platform's handling of certain API endpoints that process user input for system configuration and device management functions. The vulnerability allows unauthorized remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on the target system with the privileges of the web application user, typically running with elevated system permissions. This represents a classic command injection vulnerability that aligns with CWE-77 and CWE-94 classifications, where insufficient validation of input parameters leads to unauthorized code execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple system compromise, as it provides attackers with complete control over the network management infrastructure. Organizations utilizing HPE iMC PLAT 7.3 (E0504) face potential exposure to widespread network disruption, data exfiltration, and unauthorized access to critical network devices managed through the platform. The vulnerability affects the integrity and availability of network management functions, potentially allowing attackers to modify device configurations, disable monitoring capabilities, or establish persistent access points within the network infrastructure. This risk is particularly severe in enterprise environments where the iMC platform serves as a central hub for managing thousands of network devices, making it a prime target for advanced persistent threats. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059 for command and scripting interpreter, where adversaries leverage legitimate system tools to execute malicious commands remotely.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigation strategies including applying the vendor-provided patch version HPE Intelligent Management Center PLAT v7.3 (E0506) or subsequent releases that address this vulnerability. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to restrict access to the iMC management interface from untrusted networks, while mandatory authentication and authorization controls must be enforced. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous patterns in system command execution and unusual API access patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and implementing defense-in-depth strategies that reduce the attack surface of critical network management systems. Regular vulnerability assessments and security audits of network management platforms are essential to identify and remediate similar weaknesses before they can be exploited by malicious actors.