CVE-2017-16592 in Enterprise Manager
Summary
by MITRE
This vulnerability allows remote attackers to disclose sensitive information on vulnerable installations of NetGain Systems Enterprise Manager 7.2.730 build 1034. Although authentication is required to exploit this vulnerability, the existing authentication mechanism can be bypassed. The specific flaw exists within the common.download_jsp servlet, which listens on TCP port 8081 by default. When parsing the filename parameter, the process does not properly validate a user-supplied path prior to using it in file operations. An attacker can leverage this in conjunction with other vulnerabilities to execute code in the context of Administrator. Was ZDI-CAN-5103.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/26/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-16592 represents a critical information disclosure flaw within NetGain Systems Enterprise Manager version 7.2.730 build 1034. This issue resides in the common.download_jsp servlet component that operates on the default TCP port 8081, making it accessible to remote attackers who can potentially exploit the system from external networks. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the filename parameter processing, creating a path traversal condition that allows unauthorized access to sensitive system files and directories.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a failure in proper path validation within the servlet's file operation handling. When the system processes user-supplied filename parameters, it does not adequately sanitize or validate the input before using it in file system operations. This lack of input validation creates an environment where attackers can manipulate the filename parameter to traverse directory structures and access files outside of the intended directory boundaries. The vulnerability specifically relates to CWE-22 which defines path traversal or directory traversal flaws that allow attackers to access files and directories outside of the intended scope.
Despite requiring authentication to exploit this vulnerability, the existing authentication mechanisms can be bypassed, significantly reducing the attack surface and increasing the potential impact. The bypass capability suggests that either the authentication tokens are improperly handled or there are additional weaknesses in the authentication flow that allow attackers to gain unauthorized access. This authentication bypass combined with the path traversal vulnerability creates a dangerous combination that enables attackers to execute code with administrator privileges, as noted in the ZDI-CAN-5103 reference.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary code within the administrator context of the affected system. This privilege escalation potential allows attackers to gain complete control over the NetGain Systems Enterprise Manager installation, potentially leading to full system compromise, data exfiltration, and continued unauthorized access. The default listening port of 8081 makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it operates on a well-known port that is often exposed to external networks without proper network segmentation or firewall rules.
Security professionals should consider this vulnerability in the context of the ATT&CK framework, particularly under the techniques related to privilege escalation and credential access. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers valid accounts and T1068 which covers exploit for privilege escalation. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including network segmentation to restrict access to port 8081, implementing proper authentication controls, and ensuring that the system is updated to a patched version that properly validates all user-supplied input paths. Additionally, monitoring for suspicious file access patterns and implementing web application firewalls can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation and proper access controls in preventing both information disclosure and privilege escalation attacks in enterprise management systems.