CVE-2019-5348 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 • 06/20/2020
The vulnerability CVE-2019-5348 represents a critical remote code execution flaw within HPE Intelligent Management Center (IMC) PLAT software, specifically affecting versions prior to 7.3 E0506P09. This vulnerability resides in the platform's handling of user-supplied input within the web interface, creating a pathway for attackers to execute arbitrary code on the target system. The flaw manifests through improper validation of input parameters that are processed by the application's backend services, allowing malicious actors to inject and execute unauthorized commands with the privileges of the affected service account. This represents a significant security weakness that could enable full system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive network infrastructure data.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input sanitization and validation mechanisms within the IMC platform's web application layer. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious HTTP requests that contain specially formatted payloads designed to bypass normal security controls. These payloads typically leverage command injection techniques that leverage the platform's reliance on external system calls without proper parameter filtering. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-77 as "Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command ('Command Injection')", which is a well-documented weakness that has been consistently exploited in various network management platforms. The attack vector requires no authentication for exploitation, making it particularly dangerous as it can be leveraged by remote attackers without prior access credentials.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-5348 extends far beyond simple unauthorized access, as successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise and persistent backdoor access within enterprise network environments. Organizations utilizing affected IMC versions face potential data breaches, network infiltration, and unauthorized modification of critical network management configurations. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers can target these systems from anywhere on the internet, making it a prime candidate for automated scanning and exploitation campaigns. Network administrators who rely on IMC for managing network infrastructure face the risk of their management systems being turned against their own network, potentially enabling attackers to monitor traffic, modify configurations, or establish persistent access points. This vulnerability directly impacts the integrity and confidentiality of network management operations, as it allows attackers to manipulate the very tools used to secure and monitor network environments.
Organizations should immediately implement comprehensive mitigation strategies including immediate patching to version 7.3 E0506P09 or later, which addresses the underlying input validation flaws. Network segmentation and firewall rule implementation should be strengthened to limit access to IMC management interfaces, particularly restricting access to trusted administrative networks only. Additional security controls such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems should be deployed to monitor for exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify any potential exploitation attempts or related vulnerabilities within the network infrastructure. The mitigation approach should align with ATT&CK framework tactics including T1059 (Command and Scripting Interpreter) and T1071 (Application Layer Protocol) as these techniques are commonly employed in exploiting such command injection vulnerabilities. System administrators should also implement monitoring for unusual command execution patterns and establish incident response procedures specifically tailored to address potential exploitation of this vulnerability.