CVE-2017-8980 in Intelligent Management Center
Summary
by MITRE
A Remote Disclosure of Information vulnerability in HPE Intelligent Management Center (iMC) PLAT version 7.3 E0504P2 was found.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/06/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-8980 represents a critical remote information disclosure flaw within HPE Intelligent Management Center (iMC) PLAT version 7.3 E0504P2, exposing the system to unauthorized data access and potential reconnaissance activities. This vulnerability resides within the web-based management interface of the iMC platform, which serves as the central control point for network management and monitoring operations across enterprise environments. The affected system architecture employs a web server component that processes HTTP requests and manages user authentication and authorization for administrative functions. The flaw specifically manifests in how the system handles certain API endpoints and configuration data retrieval mechanisms, allowing unauthenticated remote attackers to access sensitive operational information without proper authorization. This vulnerability directly impacts the confidentiality aspect of the CIA triad by enabling unauthorized data exposure through network-based attacks.
The technical implementation of this information disclosure vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and insufficient access control mechanisms within the iMC platform's web application layer. Attackers can exploit this weakness by sending specifically crafted HTTP requests to particular endpoints within the web interface, which then return detailed system information including configuration parameters, user account details, network topology data, and potentially sensitive operational metrics. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-200, which specifically addresses "Information Exposure," and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083, "File and Directory Discovery," as it enables adversaries to gather system information without requiring legitimate credentials. The flaw exists due to the absence of proper authentication checks on certain administrative API endpoints, allowing any remote user to retrieve data that should only be accessible to authorized administrators, thus creating a significant security gap in the system's defense mechanisms.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-8980 extends beyond simple data exposure, as it provides attackers with valuable reconnaissance information that can be leveraged for subsequent exploitation attempts. Once an attacker gains access to the disclosed information, they can map the network infrastructure, identify critical assets, and understand the operational environment of the target organization. This intelligence can facilitate more sophisticated attacks including privilege escalation, lateral movement, and targeted exploitation of other system components. The vulnerability affects organizations that rely on iMC for network management, potentially exposing sensitive data about network devices, user credentials, and system configurations that could be used in advanced persistent threat campaigns. The exposure of such information creates opportunities for attackers to craft targeted phishing campaigns, identify system weaknesses, and plan more effective infiltration strategies. Organizations may also face regulatory compliance issues and reputational damage if this sensitive information is exposed to unauthorized parties.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-8980 should prioritize immediate patch deployment from HPE, as the vendor has released security updates specifically addressing this vulnerability. Organizations should implement network segmentation to isolate the iMC platform from critical network segments and restrict access to the management interface through firewall rules and access control lists. The implementation of network monitoring solutions can help detect anomalous access patterns and unauthorized data retrieval attempts from the affected endpoints. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify any other potentially exposed systems or components within their network infrastructure that might be vulnerable to similar information disclosure attacks. Security teams should also review and strengthen authentication mechanisms, implement proper logging and monitoring of administrative activities, and ensure that all network management systems are regularly updated with the latest security patches. The mitigation approach should align with industry best practices for information security management and incorporate principles from frameworks such as NIST SP 800-53 and ISO/IEC 27001 to establish comprehensive security controls that address both immediate threats and long-term security posture improvements.