CVE-2019-16530 in Nexus Repository Manager
Summary
by MITRE
Sonatype Nexus Repository Manager 2.x before 2.14.15 and 3.x before 3.19, and IQ Server before 72, has remote code execution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/21/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-16530 represents a critical remote code execution flaw affecting Sonatype Nexus Repository Manager versions 2.x prior to 2.14.15 and 3.x prior to 3.19, alongside IQ Server versions before 72. This vulnerability resides within the repository management software that serves as a central hub for storing, managing, and distributing software artifacts across development environments. The flaw allows unauthorized attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems, potentially leading to complete system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive data repositories.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and improper sanitization of user-supplied data within the Nexus Repository Manager's API endpoints. Specifically, the flaw manifests when the application processes certain parameters in HTTP requests without adequate security checks, allowing malicious input to be interpreted as executable commands. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-74, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in a command or query, and represents a classic command injection attack vector. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting specially crafted requests that bypass authentication mechanisms and directly manipulate the underlying system commands executed by the repository manager.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple unauthorized access, as it enables attackers to establish persistent backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive artifacts, and potentially use the compromised repository as a launchpad for further attacks within the organization's network. Organizations relying on Nexus Repository Manager for critical software artifact storage face significant risk of intellectual property theft, supply chain compromise, and regulatory compliance violations. The vulnerability's severity is amplified by the fact that it affects both the repository manager and IQ server components, providing attackers with multiple potential entry points into the software supply chain infrastructure.
Security professionals should immediately implement mitigations including updating to the patched versions of Nexus Repository Manager and IQ Server, implementing network segmentation to limit access to repository services, and deploying web application firewalls to monitor and filter suspicious requests. Additionally, organizations should conduct thorough security assessments of their existing repository configurations, review access controls, and implement comprehensive monitoring solutions to detect anomalous behavior indicative of exploitation attempts. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1059, Command and Scripting Interpreter, highlighting the exploitation techniques that attackers can employ to leverage the command injection flaw for persistent system compromise and data exfiltration activities.