CVE-2019-5340 in Intelligent Management Center PLAT
Summary
by MITRE
A remote code execution vulnerability was identified in HPE Intelligent Management Center (IMC) PLAT earlier than version 7.3 E0506P09.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/19/2020
The vulnerability CVE-2019-5340 represents a critical remote code execution flaw in HPE Intelligent Management Center (IMC) PLAT software versions prior to 7.3 E0506P09. This vulnerability exposes organizations to significant operational risks as it allows unauthorized remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems without requiring authentication. The flaw exists within the platform's handling of specific input parameters that are processed by the application's backend components, creating an attack vector that can be exploited from external network positions.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation mechanisms within the IMC PLAT software architecture. Attackers can craft malicious payloads that exploit buffer overflow conditions or injection flaws in the application's processing routines, particularly when handling user-supplied data through web interfaces or API endpoints. This weakness enables attackers to bypass authentication mechanisms and gain elevated privileges on the target system. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes buffer overflow conditions that can lead to arbitrary code execution, and represents a classic example of insecure input handling that violates fundamental security principles.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-5340 extends beyond simple remote code execution capabilities as it provides attackers with full system compromise potential. Organizations utilizing affected IMC versions face risks including data exfiltration, system infiltration, deployment of additional malware, and potential lateral movement within network environments. The vulnerability affects the core management platform that typically oversees network infrastructure, making it a prime target for attackers seeking persistent access to critical network components. Security teams must consider that compromised IMC systems can provide attackers with visibility into network topology, device configurations, and operational data that would otherwise remain protected.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-5340 require immediate patch deployment to upgrade affected systems to HPE IMC PLAT version 7.3 E0506P09 or later. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit access to IMC management interfaces and deploy intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious activity patterns associated with exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining current software versions and implementing defense-in-depth strategies as outlined in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly focusing on execution techniques and privilege escalation vectors. Security administrators should also conduct thorough network monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts and establish incident response procedures that account for management platform compromises. Organizations without immediate patch capabilities should consider temporary network isolation of affected systems and implement additional access controls to minimize exposure risk.