CVE-2017-16602 in Enterprise Manager
Summary
by MITRE
This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code 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.tools.exec_jsp servlet, which listens on TCP port 8081 by default. When parsing the command parameter, the process does not properly validate a user-supplied string before using it to execute a system call. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to execute code under the context of Administrator. Was ZDI-CAN-5193.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/26/2019
This vulnerability represents a critical remote code execution flaw in NetGain Systems Enterprise Manager 7.2.730 build 1034 that demonstrates a dangerous combination of authentication bypass and improper input validation. The vulnerability exists within the org.apache.jsp.u.jsp.tools.exec_jsp servlet component that operates on the default TCP port 8081, creating an attack surface that can be exploited by remote adversaries without requiring elevated privileges initially. The flaw stems from inadequate validation of user-supplied input within the command parameter processing, which allows malicious actors to inject arbitrary system commands directly into the execution pipeline. This represents a classic command injection vulnerability that falls under CWE-77, where insufficient sanitization of user-provided data leads to unauthorized system command execution.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a servlet that handles user requests through the JSP framework, specifically targeting the exec_jsp component which processes command execution requests. When a user submits a command parameter through the web interface, the application fails to properly validate or sanitize this input before passing it to system call functions. This lack of input validation creates an environment where attacker-controlled data can directly influence the operating system's command execution flow. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because the authentication mechanism can be bypassed, meaning that even without legitimate credentials, an attacker can leverage this flaw to gain unauthorized access to the system. The execution occurs under the context of the Administrator account, which provides full system privileges and allows for complete compromise of the affected system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple remote code execution to encompass complete system compromise and potential lateral movement within networks. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to install backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, modify system configurations, or establish persistent access points within the enterprise environment. The default listening port 8081 provides a predictable attack vector that can be easily discovered through network scanning activities, making the system particularly vulnerable to automated exploitation attempts. This vulnerability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, where adversaries use legitimate system utilities to execute malicious code. The combination of authentication bypass with command injection creates a particularly dangerous scenario where an attacker can achieve system compromise without requiring valid user credentials, potentially leading to widespread network infiltration.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate patching of the NetGain Systems Enterprise Manager to the latest secure version that addresses the input validation flaw. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to restrict access to the default TCP port 8081, limiting exposure to unauthorized networks. The authentication bypass mechanism should be reviewed and strengthened to prevent unauthorized access attempts, potentially through multi-factor authentication implementation or enhanced credential validation. Additional security measures include implementing web application firewalls to monitor and filter suspicious requests targeting the vulnerable servlet, conducting regular vulnerability assessments to identify similar flaws in other components, and establishing network monitoring to detect unusual command execution patterns. Organizations should also consider disabling unnecessary services and ports, implementing least privilege access controls, and maintaining comprehensive audit logs to track potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation and authentication mechanisms, with the flaw demonstrating how inadequate security controls in one area can compound into severe system compromise scenarios.