CVE-2017-5822 in Intelligent Management Center PLAT
Summary
by MITRE
A Remote Code Execution vulnerability in HPE Intelligent Management Center (iMC) PLAT version 7.3 E0504P04 was found.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/03/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-5822 represents a critical remote code execution flaw within HPE Intelligent Management Center platform version 7.3 E0504P04. This issue affects the centralized network management solution that organizations use to monitor and manage their network infrastructure. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the web application layer of the iMC platform, creating a pathway for malicious actors to execute arbitrary code on the affected system. The flaw specifically manifests in the handling of user-supplied data within certain administrative functions, where insufficient sanitization allows attackers to inject and subsequently execute malicious commands.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a carefully crafted payload that leverages the platform's insufficient validation of HTTP request parameters. Attackers can manipulate the input fields within the web interface to inject malicious code that gets processed by the backend services. This vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-77 and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter. The attack vector requires network access to the targeted iMC platform and can be executed without authentication in certain configurations, making it particularly dangerous for organizations that expose their management interfaces to untrusted networks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as successful exploitation provides attackers with full administrative control over the affected iMC platform. This includes the ability to access sensitive network configuration data, modify system settings, install malicious software, and potentially use the compromised platform as a pivot point for attacking other systems within the network perimeter. Organizations relying on iMC for network management face significant risks including data breaches, service disruption, and potential compromise of their entire network infrastructure. The vulnerability affects not only the immediate platform but can also provide attackers with insights into network topology and security configurations that may aid in further attacks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-5822 primarily involve applying the official security patches released by HPE to address the input validation flaws. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to limit access to the iMC platform, restrict administrative access through firewall rules, and monitor network traffic for suspicious activities. Additional protective measures include disabling unnecessary services, implementing strong authentication mechanisms, and conducting regular security assessments of the platform. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and proper input validation in web applications, as highlighted by industry standards such as the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines. Regular vulnerability scanning and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in the network management infrastructure and ensure comprehensive protection against similar threats.