CVE-2019-5363 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 identified as CVE-2019-5363 represents a critical remote code execution flaw within HPE Intelligent Management Center PLAT software versions prior to 7.3 E0506P09. This issue stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the web application interface of the IMC platform, which is widely deployed for network management and monitoring purposes across enterprise environments. The vulnerability affects organizations that rely on HPE's centralized management solutions for their network infrastructure operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves improper sanitization of user-supplied data within the application's processing pipeline, specifically within the web service components that handle administrative requests. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious payloads that bypass authentication mechanisms and execute arbitrary code on the target system with the privileges of the web application process. The flaw operates at the application layer and requires no prior authentication to exploit, making it particularly dangerous for environments where the IMC platform is accessible from untrusted networks. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-20, which describes improper input validation as a fundamental weakness in software security architecture.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-5363 extends beyond simple remote code execution, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected IMC platform. This includes the ability to modify network configurations, access sensitive operational data, and potentially establish persistent backdoors within the network management infrastructure. Organizations utilizing the vulnerable software may experience significant disruption to their network monitoring capabilities, as attackers could manipulate or disable critical management functions. The vulnerability also poses risks to broader network security posture, as compromised IMC platforms often serve as central points for managing multiple network devices and security policies.
Security professionals should prioritize immediate remediation through the application of HPE's official patches and updates for the 7.3 E0506P09 release or subsequent versions. Network segmentation strategies should be implemented to limit access to the IMC platform, particularly when it is exposed to external networks. Organizations should also conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify any potential compromise of their network management infrastructure. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1059 for command and scripting interpreter, as exploitation enables attackers to execute arbitrary code through legitimate system interfaces. Additionally, monitoring for unusual network traffic patterns and unauthorized administrative activities should be enhanced to detect potential exploitation attempts and maintain operational security.