CVE-2017-16604 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.cnnic.asset.deviceReport.deviceReport_005fexport_005fdo_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-5195.
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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 arbitrary file overwrite capabilities. The vulnerability exists within the org.apache.jsp.u.jsp.cnnic.asset.deviceReport.deviceReport_005fexport_005fdo_jsp servlet component, which operates on the default TCP port 8081, making it accessible to remote attackers. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation of the filename parameter during file operations, allowing malicious actors to manipulate file paths and overwrite system files with administrative privileges. This vulnerability falls under CWE-22 Path Traversal and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell, as it enables attackers to manipulate system files through the application's web interface. The authentication bypass capability significantly reduces the attack surface, as previously authenticated users could leverage this vulnerability without additional credentials.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an attacker to send a malicious request to the vulnerable servlet with a specially crafted filename parameter that includes directory traversal sequences such as ../ or ..\.. The application's failure to properly sanitize or validate user-supplied paths allows these sequences to be interpreted literally, resulting in unintended file operations. When the application processes the request, it uses the unvalidated path directly in file system operations, enabling attackers to target files outside the intended directory structure. This flaw particularly affects system files and configuration data that are accessible to the Administrator account, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that the application runs with elevated privileges, meaning successful exploitation can result in unauthorized modification of critical system components.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file overwrite capabilities to encompass potential system compromise and data integrity breaches. Attackers who successfully exploit this vulnerability can modify system files, configuration settings, and potentially inject malicious code into the application's execution environment. This could lead to persistent backdoors, privilege escalation, or complete system takeover depending on the targeted files and the underlying operating system configuration. The vulnerability's presence on port 8081 makes it particularly dangerous as this port is commonly used for web-based management interfaces and is often exposed to external networks without proper network segmentation. Organizations running this specific version of NetGain Systems Enterprise Manager are at risk of unauthorized access and potential data loss or corruption.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate patching of the vulnerable software version, as well as implementing network segmentation to restrict access to port 8081. Organizations should also consider implementing proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the application to prevent path traversal attacks. Network-based protections such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can help detect and block malicious requests attempting to exploit this vulnerability. Additionally, implementing principle of least privilege access controls and regular security audits of system files can help minimize the potential damage from successful exploitation. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and the potential consequences of insufficient security controls in web applications, particularly those handling file system operations. Organizations should also consider implementing regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing to identify similar flaws in their network infrastructure and applications.