CVE-2017-16601 in Enterprise Manager
Summary
by MITRE
This vulnerability allows remote attackers to overwrite 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.service.service_005ffailures_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 vulnerability to overwrite any files accessible to the Administrator. Was ZDI-CAN-5192.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/26/2019
This vulnerability represents a critical path traversal flaw in NetGain Systems Enterprise Manager 7.2.730 build 1034 that enables remote attackers to overwrite arbitrary files on the target system. The vulnerability exists within the org.apache.jsp.u.jsp.reports.templates.service.service_005ffailures_jsp servlet component which operates on the default TCP port 8081, making it accessible to remote attackers who can exploit the weakness without requiring local system access. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation within the filename parameter processing, where user-supplied paths are directly utilized in file operations without proper sanitization or validation checks. This type of vulnerability is categorized as CWE-22 Path Traversal, which falls under the broader category of insecure direct object references in web applications. The security implications are particularly severe because while the system requires authentication to access the vulnerable endpoint, the authentication mechanism itself can be bypassed, allowing unauthenticated attackers to exploit the vulnerability. The attack vector leverages the fact that the application does not properly validate or sanitize the filename parameter, enabling attackers to manipulate the path traversal to target any file accessible to the Administrator account.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file overwriting, as it provides attackers with the capability to compromise the entire system through strategic file manipulation. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can overwrite critical system files, configuration files, or even executable components that would allow for persistent access or system compromise. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the administrative privilege level, meaning that any file accessible to the Administrator account can be targeted, including system binaries, configuration files, or even log files that could be used to maintain access. This type of vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter, where attackers can leverage compromised applications to execute malicious code through file overwrites, and also maps to T1078 Valid Accounts, as the bypass of authentication mechanisms allows for exploitation without legitimate credentials. The default listening port 8081 provides an easily discoverable attack surface that can be automated through network scanning tools, making this vulnerability particularly attractive to automated exploitation frameworks.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both the immediate technical flaw and the authentication bypass mechanism. Organizations should implement immediate patching procedures to address the path traversal vulnerability in the affected servlet component, ensuring that all user-supplied input is properly validated and sanitized before being used in file operations. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to restrict access to port 8081, limiting exposure to trusted networks only. The authentication bypass vulnerability requires a comprehensive review of the authentication mechanisms, including implementation of multi-factor authentication and proper session management. Additionally, organizations should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify any other potential path traversal vulnerabilities within the application stack, as similar flaws may exist in other components. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual file access patterns or modifications that could indicate exploitation attempts, and regular security audits should be performed to ensure that all input validation mechanisms are properly functioning. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of principle of least privilege, where the application should run with minimal required permissions to prevent escalation of privileges through file overwrites. This remediation approach aligns with industry best practices for secure coding and follows the principle of defense in depth as outlined in NIST SP 800-53 security controls.