CVE-2017-12540 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-2017-12540 represents a critical remote code execution flaw within HPE Intelligent Management Center PLAT version 7.3 E0504. This enterprise-grade network management platform serves as a comprehensive solution for monitoring and managing HPE networking equipment across large-scale deployments. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation mechanisms within the web application framework, specifically affecting the platform's handling of user-supplied data in certain API endpoints. Attackers exploiting this weakness could potentially execute arbitrary code on the affected system with the privileges of the web application user, which typically operates with elevated system permissions. The flaw exists in the platform's authentication and authorization mechanisms, creating an attack surface that allows malicious actors to bypass normal access controls and gain unauthorized system access.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a classic input sanitization failure where the application fails to properly validate and sanitize data received through HTTP requests. This allows attackers to inject malicious payloads that are subsequently processed by the server-side application logic. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects the core management interface of the platform, which typically requires minimal network segmentation and may be accessible from various network zones. The exploitation process involves crafting specially formatted requests that manipulate the application's internal state, ultimately leading to code execution capabilities. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-20, which describes improper input validation as a fundamental weakness in application security design, and can be categorized under the MITRE ATT&CK framework as part of the Execution technique category, specifically targeting remote code execution capabilities.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it provides attackers with complete control over the management platform and potentially the underlying network infrastructure it monitors. Organizations utilizing HPE iMC PLAT 7.3 E0504 face significant risks including data exfiltration, system compromise, and disruption of network management services. The vulnerability affects critical business operations since iMC platforms typically serve as central management points for enterprise networks, making them attractive targets for cybercriminals seeking persistent access to network resources. Successful exploitation could enable attackers to establish backdoors, modify network configurations, disable security controls, and potentially escalate privileges to gain full system administrator access. The widespread deployment of this platform across enterprise environments means that a single exploited vulnerability could impact numerous organizations simultaneously.
Organizations should immediately implement the remediation measures provided by HPE in version E0506 and subsequent releases, which include enhanced input validation controls and improved sanitization routines for user-supplied data. Network segmentation strategies should be implemented to limit access to the iMC platform, particularly restricting direct internet exposure of management interfaces. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous traffic patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts, including unusual API request formats or unauthorized access attempts. Regular security assessments should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other network management systems and ensure proper patch management procedures are in place. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing web application firewalls to provide an additional layer of protection against exploitation attempts, while maintaining detailed audit logs of all management interface activities to facilitate incident response and forensic analysis. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of keeping enterprise management platforms updated and properly secured against known exploitation techniques.