CVE-2019-5372 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-2019-5372 represents a critical remote code execution flaw within HPE Intelligent Management Center (IMC) PLAT software versions prior to 7.3 E0506P09. This weakness resides in the platform's handling of user-supplied input within its web interface components, creating an avenue for malicious actors to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. The vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of input parameters passed through HTTP requests to the IMC platform's web services, particularly affecting the web-based management interface that administrators use to configure and monitor network infrastructure.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through crafted HTTP requests that manipulate the input validation mechanisms within the IMC platform's web application layer. Attackers can leverage this flaw by sending specially constructed payloads that bypass authentication checks and directly invoke system commands within the context of the web server process. This allows unauthorized users to gain elevated privileges and execute malicious code on the target system, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-20 as a weakness involving improper input validation, specifically manifesting as a command injection vulnerability that enables arbitrary code execution.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-5372 extends beyond simple remote code execution, as it provides attackers with persistent access to network management infrastructure that typically holds sensitive configuration data and administrative credentials. Organizations utilizing affected IMC versions face significant risk of unauthorized network access, data exfiltration, and potential lateral movement within their network environments. The vulnerability affects HPE Intelligent Management Center platforms used for network monitoring, configuration management, and system administration, making it particularly dangerous for enterprise environments where network infrastructure management is centralized. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.001 (Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell) and T1078 (Valid Accounts) as attackers can leverage the executed code to establish persistence and escalate privileges.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-5372 primarily focus on immediate software updates and network segmentation measures. Organizations should prioritize upgrading to HPE IMC PLAT version 7.3 E0506P09 or later, which includes patched input validation mechanisms that prevent the exploitation of this vulnerability. Additionally, implementing network-level controls such as firewall rules that restrict access to the IMC web interface from untrusted networks can significantly reduce exposure. Security administrators should also consider disabling unnecessary web services and implementing strict access controls through network access control lists. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining current software versions and implementing robust input validation practices as recommended by NIST guidelines for secure software development. Organizations should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify all instances of affected software and establish monitoring procedures to detect potential exploitation attempts.