CVE-2019-5366 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-2019-5366 represents a critical remote code execution flaw in HPE Intelligent Management Center (IMC) PLAT software versions prior to 7.3 E0506P09. This issue resides within the web-based management interface of the IMC platform, which is widely deployed across enterprise networks for system monitoring and management. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the application's processing of user-supplied data, creating an avenue for malicious actors to execute arbitrary code on affected systems with the privileges of the web application process. The flaw affects organizations that rely on HPE IMC for network infrastructure management, potentially compromising entire network ecosystems where the platform is deployed.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through crafted HTTP requests that bypass authentication mechanisms and manipulate the application's internal processing logic. Attackers can leverage this flaw to upload and execute malicious payloads without requiring valid credentials, effectively gaining unauthorized access to the underlying operating system. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-74 as it involves injection flaws where attacker-supplied data is processed by the application without proper validation or sanitization. The attack vector is particularly dangerous as it requires no prior authentication, making it accessible to any remote attacker who can reach the vulnerable web interface. This weakness allows for complete system compromise and can be leveraged for lateral movement within network environments where IMC is deployed.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-5366 extends beyond simple remote code execution, as it enables attackers to establish persistent backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive network information, and potentially disrupt critical network operations. Organizations using affected IMC versions face significant risk of data breaches, network infiltration, and service disruption. The vulnerability affects not only the immediate system but can also compromise other network devices managed by the IMC platform, creating a cascading effect that can impact enterprise-wide network infrastructure. Security teams must consider this vulnerability as a potential entry point for advanced persistent threats, as the compromised system can serve as a foothold for further attacks within the organization's network perimeter. The attack can be executed through various methods including web browser exploitation, automated scanning tools, or manual crafting of malicious requests.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-5366 primarily involve immediate patching of all affected IMC installations to version 7.3 E0506P09 or later, which addresses the input validation weaknesses that enable the vulnerability. Network segmentation should be implemented to limit access to the IMC management interface, restricting access to authorized administrative networks only. Organizations should also deploy intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious HTTP traffic patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. The implementation of web application firewalls can provide additional protection by filtering malicious requests before they reach the vulnerable application components. Security configurations should include disabling unnecessary services and features, implementing strong access controls, and conducting regular vulnerability assessments to identify potential attack vectors. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to technique T1059 for remote code execution and T1078 for valid accounts usage, making it a critical target for both defensive and offensive security operations. Regular security awareness training for network administrators is essential to recognize potential exploitation attempts and maintain vigilance against emerging threats targeting management interfaces.