CVE-2017-17406 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 an exposed RMI registry, which listens on TCP ports 1800 and 1850 by default. The issue results from the lack of proper validation of user-supplied data, which can result in deserialization of untrusted data. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code under the context of the current process. Was ZDI-CAN-4753.
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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 7.1.2, where attackers can compromise systems without authentication. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the RMI registry component that listens on TCP ports 1800 and 1850 by default, creating an attack surface that can be exploited from external networks. The flaw specifically manifests in the deserialization of untrusted data, a well-documented security weakness that has been categorized under CWE-502, which addresses deserialization of untrusted data. This vulnerability type has been consistently identified as a high-risk vector in cybersecurity frameworks and has been mapped to various ATT&CK techniques including T1059.007 for command and script interpreter and T1133 for external remote services.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows an attacker to send malicious serialized data to the exposed RMI registry, which then deserializes this data without proper validation mechanisms. When the RMI registry processes the malicious payload, it executes arbitrary code within the context of the running process, potentially providing full system compromise. The default listening ports 1800 and 1850 create a predictable attack surface that makes exploitation straightforward for threat actors who have basic network reconnaissance capabilities. This vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires no authentication credentials, making it accessible to any external attacker with network access to the target system. The deserialization flaw enables attackers to leverage existing Java serialization mechanisms to execute malicious payloads, often through the use of gadget chains that can be constructed to achieve remote code execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it can lead to complete system compromise and lateral movement within network environments. Organizations running vulnerable versions of Netgain Enterprise Manager face significant risk of unauthorized access, data exfiltration, and potential establishment of persistent backdoors. The vulnerability's exposure through default ports means that organizations may be unknowingly exposing themselves to attack without proper network segmentation or firewall rules. The lack of authentication requirements significantly amplifies the risk, as attackers can exploit this without needing to first compromise credentials or establish initial access through other vectors. This makes the vulnerability particularly attractive to automated scanning tools and opportunistic attackers who target known vulnerable services.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate remediation through the installation of the vendor-provided patch for Netgain Enterprise Manager version 7.1.2 or later, which addresses the deserialization vulnerability in the RMI registry component. Network-level defenses should include blocking access to TCP ports 1800 and 1850 from external networks through firewall rules and implementing proper network segmentation to isolate critical systems. Organizations should also consider disabling the RMI registry functionality if it is not required for business operations, as this eliminates the attack surface entirely. Additional protective measures include implementing intrusion detection systems to monitor for unusual traffic patterns on the affected ports and conducting regular vulnerability assessments to identify other potentially exposed services. The remediation process should also include reviewing and updating security configurations for all Java-based applications to ensure proper input validation and secure deserialization practices are implemented. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of secure coding practices and the need for regular security updates to protect against known vulnerabilities in enterprise software systems.