CVE-2017-16606 in Enterprise Manager
Summary
by MITRE
This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute code by creating 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._3d.add_005f3d_005fview_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 execute code under the context of Administrator. Was ZDI-CAN-5197.
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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 version 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._3d.add_005f3d_005fview_005fdo_jsp servlet component that operates on the default TCP port 8081, creating an attack surface that can be exploited by remote adversaries. The flaw stems from insufficient validation of user-supplied path parameters during filename processing, which allows attackers to manipulate file operations through crafted input. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-22, known as "Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory," which specifically addresses the dangerous practice of not properly sanitizing file paths before use. The authentication bypass aspect of this vulnerability is particularly concerning as it removes the typical access control mechanisms that would normally prevent unauthorized exploitation, making the system vulnerable to attackers who can craft malicious requests without proper credentials.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the servlet processes the filename parameter without adequate validation of the path supplied by the user. This creates a path traversal condition where an attacker can manipulate the file system operations to write arbitrary files to locations that should normally be restricted. The vulnerability allows for code execution under the Administrator context, which represents a severe privilege escalation scenario that can lead to complete system compromise. The default listening port of 8081 provides an easily identifiable attack vector for threat actors who scan for vulnerable systems, while the authentication bypass removes the need for legitimate credentials to initiate the attack. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which covers "Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell," as the attacker can leverage the elevated privileges to execute malicious code through PowerShell or other command-line interfaces. The combination of weak input validation and authentication bypass creates a particularly dangerous exploit scenario where the attack surface is expanded beyond typical network boundaries.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with complete administrative control over the affected system. Once exploited, an attacker can modify system configurations, access sensitive data, install backdoors, and potentially use the compromised system as a launching point for further attacks within the network. The fact that this vulnerability operates under the Administrator context means that standard security controls like user permission restrictions become ineffective against the attack. Organizations running this specific version of NetGain Systems Enterprise Manager face significant risk, as the vulnerability affects systems that may be exposed to the internet or located in less secure network segments. The default port exposure on 8081 creates a readily exploitable condition that can be automated by threat actors, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where systems are not properly segmented or monitored. This type of vulnerability also demonstrates the importance of proper input validation in web applications and highlights how authentication bypasses can render even well-designed security controls ineffective. The vulnerability's classification as ZDI-CAN-5197 indicates it was recognized by the Zero Day Initiative, which typically focuses on vulnerabilities that have been actively exploited in the wild, further emphasizing the real-world threat this vulnerability presents to organizations.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately implement network segmentation to isolate the affected system from other network components and ensure that port 8081 is not exposed to untrusted networks. The most effective immediate mitigation involves applying the vendor-provided patch or upgrade to a version that addresses the path validation flaw. System administrators should also implement network monitoring to detect unusual file creation patterns or attempts to access the vulnerable servlet endpoint. Additional security measures include disabling unnecessary services, implementing strict firewall rules to restrict access to port 8081, and conducting thorough network scans to identify any other potentially vulnerable systems. The vulnerability's characteristics also suggest that organizations should review their authentication mechanisms to ensure that bypasses like this one are not possible in other components of their infrastructure. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should include validation of input handling in web applications to prevent similar path traversal vulnerabilities from being introduced in future development cycles.