CVE-2017-6971 in USM
Summary
by MITRE
AlienVault USM and OSSIM before 5.3.5 and NfSen before 1.3.8 allow remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary commands in a privileged context, or launch a reverse shell, via vectors involving the PHP session ID and the NfSen PHP code, aka AlienVault ID ENG-104862. NOTE: the AlienVault vendor statement of affected versions is disputed by another party.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/10/2025
This vulnerability represents a critical command execution flaw in AlienVault Unified Security Management and Open Source Security Information Management platforms, along with the NfSen network flow monitoring tool. The issue stems from improper handling of PHP session identifiers within the web application's authentication and session management mechanisms, creating a pathway for authenticated attackers to escalate privileges and execute arbitrary code with elevated system permissions. The vulnerability specifically affects versions prior to 5.3.5 for USM and OSSIM, and before 1.3.8 for NfSen, indicating a widespread impact across multiple security monitoring platforms. The flaw allows attackers who have already established authentication credentials to leverage the insecure session handling to gain root-level access or establish reverse shell connections, fundamentally compromising the integrity and confidentiality of the affected systems.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability involves manipulating PHP session identifiers in a way that bypasses normal authentication checks and allows code execution within the privileged context of the web application. This type of vulnerability typically falls under CWE-20, which describes improper input validation, and more specifically aligns with CWE-78, which addresses improper neutralization of special elements used in OS commands. The attack vector specifically involves the interaction between PHP session management and NfSen's PHP code implementation, where session data is not properly sanitized or validated before being processed. Attackers can leverage this weakness to inject malicious commands that execute with the privileges of the web server process, potentially allowing for complete system compromise and persistent access. The vulnerability's classification under the ATT&CK framework would likely map to privilege escalation and command and control techniques, as it enables attackers to execute arbitrary code and establish persistent communication channels.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it fundamentally undermines the security posture of organizations relying on these platforms for network monitoring and security operations. Once exploited, attackers can gain unauthorized access to sensitive network flow data, potentially compromising the integrity of security alerts and threat detection mechanisms. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers do not require physical access to the systems, making it particularly dangerous for organizations with distributed security infrastructure. Organizations may face regulatory compliance violations, data breaches, and loss of security monitoring capabilities if these systems are compromised. The reverse shell functionality provides attackers with persistent access and the ability to maintain control over the compromised systems, enabling long-term surveillance and further attacks on the network infrastructure. This vulnerability directly impacts the availability and integrity of security monitoring data, potentially leaving organizations blind to ongoing attacks while attackers maintain covert access to their network monitoring tools.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of affected systems to versions 5.3.5 or later for USM/OSSIM and 1.3.8 or later for NfSen, as provided by the vendor. Organizations should also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit the attack surface and reduce the impact of potential exploitation. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual command execution patterns and unauthorized access attempts to the affected platforms. Network administrators should review and harden PHP session management configurations, ensuring that session identifiers are properly validated and sanitized. Additionally, implementing multi-factor authentication and least privilege access controls can help reduce the risk of unauthorized access to these critical security monitoring platforms. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in other network monitoring and security tools within the organization's infrastructure. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure session management practices and proper input validation in web applications, particularly those handling sensitive security data and privileged operations.