CVE-2017-16610 in Enterprise Manager
Summary
by MITRE
This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on vulnerable installations of Netgain Enterprise Manager. Authentication is not required to exploit this vulnerability. The specific flaw exists within upload_save_do.jsp. The issue results from the lack of proper validation of a user-supplied path prior to using it in file operations. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to execute code under the context of the current user. Was ZDI-CAN-4751.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/26/2019
This vulnerability represents a critical remote code execution flaw in Netgain Enterprise Manager versions prior to 7.2.1, where attackers can exploit the system without requiring authentication credentials. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation within the upload_save_do.jsp component, which processes file upload operations. The flaw specifically manifests when the application fails to properly validate user-supplied paths before incorporating them into file system operations, creating a path traversal condition that allows malicious actors to manipulate file operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a classic path traversal attack vector where an attacker can manipulate the file path parameter to bypass normal file system access controls. When the upload_save_do.jsp script processes an upload request, it accepts user-provided path information without adequate sanitization or validation. This allows an attacker to specify arbitrary file paths that could potentially overwrite critical system files or execute malicious code within the application's execution context. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and leverages the principle of insufficient input validation, which is categorized under CWE-22 in the Common Weakness Enumeration framework.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it provides attackers with remote code execution capabilities without authentication requirements, effectively eliminating the need for initial access privileges. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the application user, which typically corresponds to the web server user account. This could result in complete system compromise, data exfiltration, or the establishment of persistent backdoors within the network environment. The vulnerability affects organizations running vulnerable versions of Netgain Enterprise Manager, particularly those with exposed web interfaces or management portals.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including applying the vendor-provided patch version 7.2.1 or later, which addresses the path validation issue in upload_save_do.jsp. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to restrict access to the affected application's web interface, particularly to prevent unauthorized remote access. Input validation should be enhanced at the application level to ensure all user-supplied path parameters are properly sanitized before being used in file operations. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploitation of remote services and T1059 for command and scripting interpreter usage, representing a significant threat to enterprise security infrastructure. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar path traversal vulnerabilities in other applications within the organization's attack surface.