CVE-2017-16599 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.reports.templates.misc.sample_jsp servlet, which listens on TCP port 8081 by default. When parsing the type 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-5190.
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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 remote attackers to perform arbitrary file deletion operations. The vulnerability resides within the org.apache.jsp.u.jsp.reports.templates.misc.sample_jsp servlet component which operates on the default TCP port 8081, making it accessible to remote adversaries without requiring elevated privileges initially. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize user-supplied path parameters during processing, creating a direct pathway for malicious file operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the improper handling of the type parameter within the servlet's file operation logic. When the application processes requests containing malicious path specifications, it directly incorporates user-supplied input into file system operations without adequate sanitization or validation checks. This design flaw allows attackers to manipulate file paths and execute destructive operations against the target system. The vulnerability specifically targets the file deletion functionality rather than arbitrary code execution, but the potential for privilege escalation exists when combined with other exploitation vectors.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file deletion capabilities as it represents a significant security weakness in the authentication and authorization mechanisms of the NetGain Enterprise Manager system. While the vulnerability requires authentication to exploit, the existing authentication bypass capability means that unauthorized users can gain access to administrative functions. This creates a dangerous scenario where an attacker can leverage the path traversal vulnerability to delete critical system files, potentially leading to system instability, data loss, or complete system compromise. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-22 (Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory) and CWE-77 (Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command) which governs command injection and path traversal issues.
The exploitation chain for this vulnerability typically involves bypassing authentication mechanisms followed by crafting malicious requests that leverage the path traversal flaw in the sample_jsp servlet. Attackers can construct specially formatted requests that manipulate the type parameter to target system files outside of the intended directory structure. The combination of authentication bypass and path traversal creates a high-impact scenario where an attacker can execute operations with administrative privileges, potentially leading to complete system compromise. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of input validation and proper access control mechanisms in enterprise web applications.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate patching of the affected NetGain Systems Enterprise Manager version, implementing network segmentation to restrict access to port 8081, and strengthening authentication mechanisms. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious path traversal attempts, conducting thorough security audits of web application components, and establishing proper input validation controls. The vulnerability highlights the need for defense-in-depth strategies and proper application security testing to prevent similar issues in other enterprise systems. Security teams should monitor for exploitation attempts and implement logging controls to detect unauthorized file operations within the affected system components. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of validating all user inputs and implementing robust access controls in enterprise applications to prevent privilege escalation scenarios.