CVE-2017-17407 in Enterprise Manager
Summary
by MITRE
This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on vulnerable installations of NetGain Systems Enterprise Manager v7.2.699 build 1001. Authentication is not required to exploit this vulnerability. The specific flaw exists within the handling of the content parameter provided to the script_test.jsp endpoint. A crafted content request parameter can trigger execution of a system call composed from a user-supplied string. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to execute code under the context of the web service. Was ZDI-CAN-5080.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/26/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-17407 represents a critical remote code execution flaw in NetGain Systems Enterprise Manager version 7.2.699 build 1001. This vulnerability operates at the intersection of insecure input handling and system command execution, creating a pathway for attackers to gain arbitrary code execution without requiring authentication. The flaw specifically manifests within the script_test.jsp endpoint, which processes user-supplied content parameters without adequate sanitization or validation mechanisms. The absence of authentication requirements significantly amplifies the exploitability of this vulnerability, making it accessible to any remote attacker with network connectivity to the affected system.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the content parameter handling mechanism. When a malicious user submits a crafted content request parameter to the script_test.jsp endpoint, the application fails to properly sanitize or escape the user-supplied string before incorporating it into system calls. This insecure programming practice directly violates established security principles and creates a classic command injection vulnerability. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-77, which specifically addresses command injection flaws where untrusted data is used to construct system commands without proper validation or escaping. The flaw demonstrates a fundamental breakdown in input sanitization and output encoding practices that are essential for preventing code injection attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple remote code execution, as it allows attackers to operate under the privileges of the web service account. This privilege escalation capability provides adversaries with significant control over the affected system, potentially enabling them to access sensitive data, modify system configurations, install malicious software, or establish persistent access. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers can exploit it from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access or prior authentication credentials. This characteristic makes it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where such systems may be exposed to external networks. The vulnerability's classification aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which covers command and scripting interpreter for remote code execution through the use of system commands.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-17407 should focus on immediate patching of the affected NetGain Systems Enterprise Manager software to the latest available version that addresses this vulnerability. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to limit access to the affected system, particularly restricting access to the script_test.jsp endpoint through firewall rules or web application firewalls. Additional defensive measures include implementing input validation and sanitization controls at the application level, employing principle of least privilege for web service accounts, and conducting comprehensive security assessments of similar endpoints within the application. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices and input validation as outlined in OWASP Top Ten and other industry security standards. Organizations should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious activity related to the script_test.jsp endpoint and other potentially vulnerable components within their network infrastructure.