CVE-2019-3493 in Network Automation
Summary
by MITRE
A potential security vulnerability has been identified in Micro Focus Network Automation Software 9.20, 9.21, 10.00, 10.10, 10.20, 10.30, 10.40, 10.50, 2018.05, 2018.08, 2018.11, and Micro Focus Network Operations Management (NOM) all versions. The vulnerability could be remotely exploited to Remote Code Execution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/04/2020
The vulnerability identified in CVE-2019-3493 represents a critical remote code execution flaw affecting Micro Focus Network Automation Software across multiple version ranges including 9.20 through 10.50 and 2018.05 through 2018.11 releases. This security weakness stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the network automation platform's processing pipeline, creating an exploitable condition that allows attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. The vulnerability manifests when the software processes specially crafted input data through its network management interfaces, potentially enabling unauthorized users to gain full system control without proper authentication. The flaw exists in the software's handling of network configuration data and automated workflow processing, where insufficient sanitization of user-provided parameters creates a path for malicious code injection. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-74, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in data queries, and represents a significant concern for network operations management environments where system integrity and availability are paramount. The attack vector typically involves sending malicious payloads through network management protocols or configuration interfaces that the software uses to process automated tasks and network monitoring activities.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through manipulation of input parameters that flow into the application's processing logic, potentially leveraging command injection techniques or buffer overflow conditions. Attackers can craft malicious network configuration data or workflow parameters that, when processed by the vulnerable software, trigger unintended code execution. The affected systems typically include network automation servers, configuration management platforms, and operational monitoring systems that rely on Micro Focus Network Automation Software for their core functionality. The remote exploitation capability means that attackers do not require physical access or local system credentials to compromise affected installations. This vulnerability particularly impacts organizations that depend on automated network management workflows, as the malicious code execution can occur during routine network configuration updates or automated monitoring processes. The flaw's impact extends beyond simple system compromise to potentially allow attackers to establish persistent access, escalate privileges, and manipulate network infrastructure configurations. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059 for command and script injection techniques, and T1068 for local privilege escalation, while also supporting lateral movement through compromised network automation systems.
Organizations utilizing affected Micro Focus Network Automation Software versions face significant operational risks including complete system compromise, unauthorized network access, and potential data breaches. The vulnerability's impact on network operations management systems could disrupt critical infrastructure monitoring and automated network configuration processes, leading to service degradation or complete outages. Recovery from exploitation may require complete system reinstallation and security hardening, potentially affecting business continuity and network reliability. The vulnerability affects both the Network Automation Software and Network Operations Management platforms, creating a widespread impact across network management ecosystems. Organizations should consider the potential for attackers to use the compromised systems as launch points for further attacks against other network components or to establish backdoors for persistent access. The attack surface includes all network management interfaces, configuration upload mechanisms, and automated workflow processing capabilities within the affected software versions. Security teams must prioritize immediate remediation efforts, including software patching, network segmentation, and enhanced monitoring of network management interfaces to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's severity classification as remote code execution places it among the most critical threats facing enterprise network infrastructure, requiring immediate attention from security operations and network management teams to prevent potential widespread compromise across network automation environments.