External risk intelligence

Micro Focus Operation Bridge Reporter Remote Code Execution

CVE advisoryKnown Exploit

CVE-2021-22502

A remote code execution vulnerability affects Micro Focus Operation Bridge Reporter, allowing unauthorized attackers to compromise the reporting server. This could disrupt business operations and data integrity. Organizations should address this by locating affected instances, restricting network access, and applying v

3Halo Surface Signal

OS Command Injection

Microfocus Operation Bridge Reporter

10.40

External exposure likelihood

Halo Surface Signal score for CVE-2021-22502

Micro Focus Operation Bridge Reporter is an infrastructure management application. While typically deployed within internal, restricted networks, it can be exposed to the public internet in specific configurations to facilitate remote monitoring or multi-site data collection, making internet reachability possible even if not a standard design requirement for all deployments.

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

A vulnerability has been identified in Micro Focus Operation Bridge Reporter that could allow for unauthorized remote code execution. This flaw impacts the integrity and availability of the reporting server. Successful exploitation could lead to significant disruption of business operations and potential data compromise.

Vulnerable reporting software
Flaw allows remote code execution
Business operations disruption

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

This vulnerability allows an attacker to execute arbitrary code on the affected server without authentication. The attacker can exploit this by sending specially crafted requests to the vulnerable product. Successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized access and control of the server, impacting business operations and data integrity.

Unauthenticated network access.
Attacker sends malicious request.
Remote code execution achieved.

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

This vulnerability could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. The ease of exploitation, combined with the potential for full system compromise, presents a significant risk to organizations. Given the critical nature and the presence of known exploitation, prompt remediation is advised.

Likely attacker skill level: Low
Required access or conditions: None
Business risk or urgency: High

Priority actions

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

This vulnerability allows for unauthorized remote code execution on the affected product. Such an event could compromise the integrity and confidentiality of data processed by the system and potentially lead to broader network compromise. Organizations should take immediate action to identify and address potential exposure.

Locate all instances of the product.
Restrict network access to affected systems.
Implement vendor-provided security updates and verify.
Monitor systems for anomalous activity.

Frequently asked questions

What is the primary function of Micro Focus Operation Bridge Reporter (OBR) and how does CVE-2021-22502 affect it?

Micro Focus Operation Bridge Reporter (OBR) is a product used for infrastructure management and reporting. CVE-2021-22502 is a critical remote code execution vulnerability in OBR version 10.40. This flaw allows an attacker to execute arbitrary code on the OBR server, potentially leading to disruption of business operations and data compromise.

What type of weakness does CVE-2021-22502 represent and how can it be exploited?

This vulnerability is classified as CWE-78, which relates to improper neutralization of special elements used in an OS command ('OS command injection'). An unauthenticated attacker can exploit this by sending specially crafted requests to the vulnerable OBR product, enabling them to execute arbitrary commands remotely.

What is the attack path for CVE-2021-22502, and what scope does it affect?

The attack vector for this vulnerability is network-based (AV:N), requiring no privileges (PR:N) or user interaction (UI:N), and has a low attack complexity (AC:L). An attacker can exploit this remotely by sending malicious requests to the vulnerable OBR server. The scope is unchanged (S:U), meaning the vulnerability impacts the system itself, allowing for full control and execution of commands on the OBR server.

How relevant is CVE-2021-22502, considering its known exploitation and impact?

This vulnerability is highly relevant due to its critical severity (CVSS 9.8) and its presence on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, indicating active exploitation. The potential for unauthenticated remote code execution poses a significant risk, potentially compromising business operations and data integrity.

What are the recommended actions to mitigate the risk associated with CVE-2021-22502?

Organizations should promptly identify all instances of Micro Focus Operation Bridge Reporter version 10.40, restrict network access to these systems, and apply vendor-provided security updates. Verifying the successful implementation of patches and actively monitoring for any anomalous activity on affected systems are also crucial steps.

References

Written by Nicholas Merritt

External-surface CVE analysis and Halo Surface Signal prioritization for Halo Threat Intelligence.