CVE-2017-8947 in Universal Configuration Management Database
Summary
by MITRE
A Remote Code Execution vulnerability in HPE UCMDB version v10.10, v10.11, v10.20, v10.21, v10.22, v10.30, v10.31 was found.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/16/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-8947 represents a critical remote code execution flaw within Hewlett Packard Enterprise's Universal Configuration Management Database (UCMDB) software. This issue affects multiple versions including v10.10, v10.11, v10.20, v10.21, v10.22, and v10.30, v10.31, making it a widespread concern for organizations utilizing this configuration management tool. The UCMDB platform serves as a comprehensive solution for managing and monitoring enterprise IT infrastructure, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it could potentially allow attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. The flaw resides in the software's handling of user input within the web interface, specifically in the processing of XML data that is submitted through various administrative functions. This vulnerability is classified under CWE-74 as a 'Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Output Used by a Downstream Component', which indicates that the application fails to properly sanitize input before processing it, creating an avenue for malicious code injection. The attack surface is significant given that UCMDB is typically deployed in enterprise environments where it serves as a central repository for configuration data and system information.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of XML input parameters that are processed by the UCMDB web application. When administrators or authorized users submit XML data through the web interface, the application fails to adequately validate or sanitize the input before processing it within the backend systems. This allows a remote attacker to craft specially crafted XML payloads that, when processed by the vulnerable software, can trigger arbitrary code execution on the target system. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it does not require authentication to exploit, meaning that an attacker can potentially leverage this flaw from outside the network perimeter. The underlying mechanism involves the application's XML parser being unable to properly handle maliciously constructed XML elements, which can lead to code injection attacks. This type of vulnerability is categorized under the ATT&CK framework as T1203 - Exploitation for Client Execution, where adversaries leverage software vulnerabilities to execute malicious code on target systems. The impact is amplified by the fact that UCMDB systems are often integrated with other enterprise monitoring and management tools, potentially providing attackers with access to additional system resources.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-8947 extends far beyond simple remote code execution, as it can lead to complete system compromise and data breaches within affected organizations. Organizations using vulnerable UCMDB versions face the risk of unauthorized access to their entire configuration management database, potentially exposing sensitive information about their IT infrastructure, network topology, and system configurations. The vulnerability can be exploited to install backdoors, modify existing configuration data, or even escalate privileges within the affected systems. Given that UCMDB serves as a central repository for enterprise configuration data, successful exploitation could provide attackers with detailed insights into network architecture, system dependencies, and potential attack vectors for further lateral movement within the organization. The vulnerability's impact is further exacerbated by the fact that many organizations may not have adequate network segmentation or monitoring in place specifically for configuration management systems. Security professionals should consider this vulnerability as part of a broader attack chain that could lead to privilege escalation, data exfiltration, and persistent access within enterprise networks, making it a critical concern for cybersecurity teams responsible for protecting enterprise infrastructure.
Organizations affected by CVE-2017-8947 should immediately implement mitigations that include applying the vendor-provided security patches and updates released by HPE to address this vulnerability. The most effective immediate action is to upgrade to a patched version of HPE UCMDB that resolves the XML input validation issues. Additionally, network administrators should consider implementing network segmentation to isolate UCMDB systems from general network traffic and limit access to only authorized personnel. The implementation of web application firewalls and input validation rules can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts, though these should be considered supplementary measures rather than primary defenses. Security monitoring should be enhanced to specifically detect unusual XML processing activities or attempts to submit malformed data to the UCMDB web interface. Organizations should also conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify any potential exploitation that may have occurred before applying patches. The remediation process should include thorough testing of the patched software to ensure that legitimate functionality is not disrupted while addressing the security vulnerability. Regular security audits and continuous monitoring of UCMDB systems are essential to maintain protection against similar vulnerabilities that may emerge in the future, given that this vulnerability demonstrates a pattern of insufficient input validation in enterprise management tools that are critical to organizational security.