CVE-2016-4391 – This vulnerability allows remote attackers to e... (How to Fix)

Q: What is the severity of CVE-2016-4391?

CVE-2016-4391 has a CVSS score of 9.8 (CRITICAL). This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on HP ArcSight WINC Connector systems by exploiting improper input validation. All organizations using HP ArcSight WINC Connector versions prior to 7.3.0 are affected. Attackers can compromise the connector to gain control over the system.

📋 TL;DR

This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on HP ArcSight WINC Connector systems by exploiting improper input validation. All organizations using HP ArcSight WINC Connector versions prior to 7.3.0 are affected. Attackers can compromise the connector to gain control over the system.

💻 Affected Systems

Products:

HP ArcSight WINC Connector

Versions: All versions prior to 7.3.0

Operating Systems: Windows (primary deployment platform)

Default Config Vulnerable: ⚠️ Yes

Notes: The WINC Connector is typically deployed in enterprise security monitoring environments and may process sensitive security data.

📦 What is this software?

Arcsight Winc Connector by Hp

View all CVEs affecting Arcsight Winc Connector →

⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact

🔴

Worst Case

Complete system compromise allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code, steal sensitive data, pivot to other systems, and establish persistent access.

🟠

Likely Case

Remote code execution leading to data exfiltration, installation of malware, or use as a foothold for lateral movement within the network.

🟢

If Mitigated

Limited impact if proper network segmentation, least privilege access, and monitoring are in place, though the vulnerability still presents significant risk.

🌐 Internet-Facing: HIGH - The vulnerability is remotely exploitable without authentication, making internet-facing instances extremely vulnerable to attack.

🏢 Internal Only: HIGH - Even internally, the vulnerability can be exploited by attackers who gain initial access to the network or by malicious insiders.

🎯 Exploit Status

Public PoC: ✅ No

Weaponized: UNKNOWN

Unauthenticated Exploit: ⚠️ Yes

Complexity: LOW

The vulnerability requires no authentication and has a high CVSS score, suggesting relatively straightforward exploitation.

🛠️ Fix & Mitigation

✅ Official Fix

Patch Version: 7.3.0 or later

Vendor Advisory: https://support.hpe.com/hpsc/doc/public/display?docLocale=en_US&docId=emr_na-c05313743

Restart Required: Yes

Instructions:

1. Download HP ArcSight WINC Connector version 7.3.0 or later from the HPE support portal. 2. Backup current configuration and data. 3. Stop the WINC Connector service. 4. Install the updated version. 5. Restart the service and verify functionality.

🔧 Temporary Workarounds

Network Segmentation

all

Restrict network access to WINC Connector instances to only necessary systems and users.

Firewall Rules

all

Implement strict firewall rules to limit inbound connections to WINC Connector ports.

🧯 If You Can't Patch

Isolate the WINC Connector in a separate network segment with strict access controls.
Implement additional monitoring and alerting for suspicious activity targeting the connector.

🔍 How to Verify

Check if Vulnerable:

Check the installed version of HP ArcSight WINC Connector via the management interface or by examining installed programs in Windows.

Check Version:

Check via Windows: Control Panel > Programs and Features, or use PowerShell: Get-WmiObject -Class Win32_Product | Where-Object {$_.Name -like '*ArcSight WINC Connector*'}

Verify Fix Applied:

Verify the version is 7.3.0 or higher in the connector management interface or through the Windows Programs and Features list.

📡 Detection & Monitoring

Log Indicators:

Unusual process creation events from the WINC Connector service
Failed authentication attempts or unexpected connections to the connector
Errors or warnings in WINC Connector application logs

Network Indicators:

Unexpected network connections to/from the WINC Connector host
Suspicious payloads sent to WINC Connector ports
Anomalous traffic patterns from the connector

SIEM Query:

source="winc_connector" AND (event_type="process_creation" AND process_name NOT IN ("expected_processes")) OR (event_type="network_connection" AND dest_port="connector_port" AND src_ip NOT IN ("allowed_ips"))

📊 Metadata

CVE ID: CVE-2016-4391

CVSS v3 Score: 9.8 (CRITICAL)

CVSS Vector: CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

CWE: CWE-94

Published: August 6, 2018

Last Updated: November 21, 2024

🔗 References

http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/93789 Third Party Advisory,VDB Entry
http://www.securitytracker.com/id/1037068 Third Party Advisory,VDB Entry
https://support.hpe.com/hpsc/doc/public/display?docLocale=en_US&docId=emr_na-c05313743 Vendor Advisory
http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/93789 Third Party Advisory,VDB Entry
http://www.securitytracker.com/id/1037068 Third Party Advisory,VDB Entry
https://support.hpe.com/hpsc/doc/public/display?docLocale=en_US&docId=emr_na-c05313743 Vendor Advisory

📤 Share & Export

📄 Export Markdown 📋 Export JSON

🔗 Related Vulnerabilities

If you're affected by CVE-2016-4391, you might also want to check these: