CVE-2016-1999
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands on HP Release Control servers by sending a malicious serialized Java object. It affects HP Release Control versions 9.13, 9.20, and 9.21 due to a known issue in the Apache Commons Collections library. Attackers can achieve remote code execution without authentication.
💻 Affected Systems
- HP Release Control
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete system compromise with attacker gaining full control over the server, potentially leading to data theft, lateral movement, and persistent backdoor installation.
Likely Case
Remote code execution allowing attackers to run arbitrary commands, install malware, or pivot to other systems in the network.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if proper network segmentation and access controls prevent exploitation attempts from reaching vulnerable systems.
🎯 Exploit Status
This is a well-known Java deserialization vulnerability (CVE-2015-4852) affecting Apache Commons Collections library. Exploit code is widely available.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Update to HP Release Control version 9.22 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://h20566.www2.hpe.com/portal/site/hpsc/public/kb/docDisplay?docId=emr_na-c05063986
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Download HP Release Control version 9.22 or later from HP support portal. 2. Backup current installation and data. 3. Install the updated version following HP's upgrade documentation. 4. Restart the HP Release Control service.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Network segmentation and access control
allRestrict network access to HP Release Control servers to only trusted IP addresses and networks.
WAF rule implementation
allDeploy Web Application Firewall rules to block serialized Java object payloads targeting Apache Commons Collections vulnerabilities.
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict network segmentation to isolate vulnerable systems from untrusted networks
- Deploy intrusion detection/prevention systems with rules for Java deserialization attacks
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check HP Release Control version in administration console or configuration files. If version is 9.13, 9.20, or 9.21, system is vulnerable.Check Version:
Check version in HP Release Control web interface or configuration files (location varies by installation)Verify Fix Applied:
Verify HP Release Control version is 9.22 or later after applying the update.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual Java deserialization errors in application logs
- Suspicious network connections from HP Release Control server
- Unexpected process execution on the server
Network Indicators:
- HTTP requests containing serialized Java objects to HP Release Control endpoints
- Outbound connections from HP Release Control server to suspicious IPs
SIEM Query:
source="HP_Release_Control" AND (error="*deserialization*" OR error="*commons-collections*")