CVE-2017-16593 in Enterprise Manager
Summary
by MITRE
This vulnerability allows remote attackers to delete arbitrary files 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 org.apache.jsp.u.jsp.restore.del_005fdo_jsp servlet, which listens on TCP port 8081 by default. When parsing the filenames parameter, the process does not properly validate a user-supplied path prior to using it in file operations. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to delete any files accessible to the Administrator user. Was ZDI-CAN-5104.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/26/2019
This vulnerability in NetGain Systems Enterprise Manager 7.2.730 build 1034 represents a critical path traversal flaw that enables unauthorized file deletion through a remote authenticated attack vector. The vulnerability exists within the org.apache.jsp.u.jsp.restore.del_005fdo_jsp servlet component which operates on the default TCP port 8081, making it accessible to remote attackers who can exploit the weakness without requiring administrative privileges. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation in the filename parameter processing, where user-supplied paths are directly utilized in file operations without proper sanitization or validation checks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The servlet fails to properly validate user input before executing file operations, allowing attackers to manipulate the filename parameter to construct malicious paths that can access and delete files outside of intended directories. This weakness creates a direct pathway for attackers to escalate privileges and execute arbitrary file deletion operations with the privileges of the Administrator user account.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file deletion as it represents a fundamental security flaw in the application's access control mechanisms. Attackers who can bypass authentication can leverage this vulnerability to compromise the entire system by deleting critical system files, configuration files, or application components that would otherwise require elevated privileges to modify or remove. The default listening port 8081 provides an easily discoverable attack surface that can be exploited by automated scanning tools, making the vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where the service is exposed to untrusted networks. The vulnerability's classification as ZDI-CAN-5104 indicates it was recognized by the Zero Day Initiative as a significant security concern requiring immediate attention.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate patching of the affected NetGain Systems Enterprise Manager version, implementation of network segmentation to restrict access to the vulnerable TCP port 8081, and enforcement of strong authentication mechanisms that cannot be easily bypassed. Organizations should also implement proper input validation and sanitization procedures for all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in file operations. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1486 Data Encrypted for Impact, as the ability to delete arbitrary files represents a direct threat to data integrity and system availability. Additional defensive measures include monitoring network traffic for suspicious patterns targeting port 8081, implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious path traversal attempts, and conducting regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the enterprise infrastructure.