CVE-2017-7432 in iManager
Summary
by MITRE
Novell iManager 2.7.x before 2.7 SP7 Patch 10 HF1 and NetIQ iManager 3.x before 3.0.3.1 have a webshell upload vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/23/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-7432 represents a critical webshell upload flaw affecting Novell iManager and NetIQ iManager versions prior to specific patch releases. This vulnerability resides within the web application's file upload functionality, where inadequate input validation and access control mechanisms allow unauthorized users to upload malicious files to the target system. The affected versions include Novell iManager 2.7.x before 2.7 SP7 Patch 10 HF1 and NetIQ iManager 3.x before 3.0.3.1, making a significant portion of the deployed user base susceptible to exploitation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of file types and content during the upload process. Attackers can bypass security controls by uploading webshell files that typically contain malicious code designed to establish persistent access to the compromised system. The flaw enables remote code execution capabilities, as the uploaded webshell can be executed within the context of the web server, potentially providing attackers with full administrative privileges. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-434, which describes insecure file upload vulnerabilities where applications accept untrusted files without proper validation. The weakness specifically manifests in the failure to implement proper file type checking, content verification, and access restriction mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it provides attackers with persistent backdoor capabilities within the targeted environment. Once successfully exploited, the webshell upload vulnerability allows attackers to maintain long-term access to the compromised system, potentially enabling data exfiltration, lateral movement, and further compromise of adjacent systems. The attack vector requires minimal privileges and can be executed remotely, making it particularly dangerous for organizations that rely on these management platforms for critical infrastructure operations. This vulnerability directly maps to attack techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under T1105 for remote access and T1059 for command and scripting interpreter execution.
Organizations affected by CVE-2017-7432 should implement immediate remediation measures including applying the vendor-provided patches for both Novell iManager 2.7 SP7 Patch 10 HF1 and NetIQ iManager 3.0.3.1. The patching process should involve thorough testing in non-production environments before deployment to ensure compatibility with existing configurations. Additional mitigations include implementing strict file type validation, restricting upload directories with appropriate access controls, and monitoring for suspicious file upload activities. Network segmentation and intrusion detection systems should be configured to detect potential exploitation attempts. Security teams should also conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify any other potentially affected systems within their environment, as similar vulnerabilities may exist in related applications or components. The remediation process should include reviewing access controls and implementing principle of least privilege for all administrative functions to minimize potential impact from future vulnerabilities.