CVE-2018-5487 in OnCommand Unified Manager
Summary
by MITRE
NetApp OnCommand Unified Manager for Linux versions 7.2 through 7.3 ship with the Java Management Extension Remote Method Invocation (JMX RMI) service bound to the network, and are susceptible to unauthenticated remote code execution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/08/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-5487 affects NetApp OnCommand Unified Manager for Linux versions 7.2 through 7.3, representing a critical security flaw that exposes the system to remote code execution attacks. This issue stems from the improper configuration of the Java Management Extension Remote Method Invocation service, which is designed to provide monitoring and management capabilities for java applications. The flaw occurs when the JMX RMI service binds to network interfaces without proper authentication mechanisms, creating an attack surface that allows malicious actors to execute arbitrary code on the target system. This vulnerability directly violates the principle of least privilege and demonstrates poor security configuration practices within the software deployment.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability relies on the inherent capabilities of Java's JMX RMI implementation, which provides remote management interfaces for java applications. When the JMX RMI service is improperly configured to listen on network interfaces, it becomes accessible to unauthenticated remote attackers who can leverage the exposed management endpoints to perform remote code execution. This flaw falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category of weak authentication and authorization issues, specifically addressing CWE-287 which deals with improper authentication. The vulnerability enables attackers to gain full control over the affected system, potentially allowing them to install malicious software, access sensitive data, modify system configurations, or establish persistent access points within the network infrastructure.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to organizations relying on NetApp OnCommand Unified Manager for their storage management operations. The unauthenticated remote code execution capability means that attackers can compromise the management system without requiring valid credentials, making it particularly dangerous for environments where such management interfaces are accessible from untrusted networks. The attack surface extends beyond simple system compromise to include potential data breaches, service disruption, and lateral movement within the network. This vulnerability directly aligns with several MITRE ATT&CK techniques including T1059 for command and scripting interpreter and T1078 for valid accounts, as attackers can leverage the compromised system to conduct further reconnaissance and maintain persistence within the network environment.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately implement mitigations including disabling the JMX RMI service when not actively required, configuring proper network segmentation to restrict access to management interfaces, and applying the latest security patches provided by NetApp. The recommended approach involves configuring the JMX RMI service to bind only to localhost interfaces or implementing strict firewall rules that limit access to authorized management networks. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive network scans to identify any systems running vulnerable versions of the software and ensure that proper access controls are implemented to prevent unauthorized access to management interfaces. The vulnerability highlights the importance of following security best practices for java application management and proper network configuration to prevent exposure of management services to untrusted networks.