CVE-2021-22502
📋 TL;DR
CVE-2021-22502 is an unauthenticated command injection vulnerability in Micro Focus Operation Bridge Reporter (OBR) that allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the server. This affects OBR version 10.40, potentially giving attackers full control over affected systems without requiring authentication.
💻 Affected Systems
- Micro Focus Operation Bridge Reporter
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete compromise of the OBR server leading to data theft, lateral movement within the network, ransomware deployment, or persistent backdoor installation.
Likely Case
Attackers gain shell access to the OBR server, allowing them to steal sensitive monitoring data, install cryptocurrency miners, or use the server as a pivot point for further attacks.
If Mitigated
Limited impact due to network segmentation, proper patching, and security controls preventing command execution or limiting its scope.
🎯 Exploit Status
Multiple public exploit scripts are available, including on Packet Storm Security. The vulnerability requires no authentication and minimal technical skill to exploit.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 10.40 Update 1 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://softwaresupport.softwaregrp.com/doc/KM03775947
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Download the patch from Micro Focus Support Portal. 2. Backup your OBR installation. 3. Apply the patch following Micro Focus instructions. 4. Restart the OBR service. 5. Verify the patch is applied successfully.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Network Isolation
allRestrict network access to OBR web interface to only trusted administrative networks
Use firewall rules to block external access to OBR ports (typically 8080, 8443)
Web Application Firewall
allDeploy WAF with command injection protection rules
Configure WAF to block requests containing shell metacharacters and suspicious patterns
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Immediately isolate the OBR server from internet access and restrict internal access to only necessary administrative networks
- Implement strict network monitoring and alerting for any suspicious commands or processes originating from the OBR server
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check if OBR version is 10.40 by accessing the web interface and viewing version information, or check installation directory for version files.Check Version:
On Windows: Check registry at HKLM\SOFTWARE\Micro Focus\OBR\Version. On Linux: Check /opt/OBR/version.txt or similar installation directory.Verify Fix Applied:
Verify the version shows 10.40 Update 1 or later, and test that command injection attempts no longer succeed.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual command execution in system logs
- Suspicious processes spawned by OBR service
- Web logs showing command injection patterns in URLs
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound connections from OBR server
- Traffic to known malicious IPs or domains
- Unexpected port scans originating from OBR server
SIEM Query:
source="OBR_logs" AND ("cmd.exe" OR "/bin/sh" OR "powershell" OR suspicious command patterns)🔗 References
- http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/162408/Micro-Focus-Operations-Bridge-Reporter-Unauthenticated-Command-Injection.html
- https://softwaresupport.softwaregrp.com/doc/KM03775947
- https://www.zerodayinitiative.com/advisories/ZDI-21-153/
- https://www.zerodayinitiative.com/advisories/ZDI-21-154/
- http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/162408/Micro-Focus-Operations-Bridge-Reporter-Unauthenticated-Command-Injection.html
- https://softwaresupport.softwaregrp.com/doc/KM03775947
- https://www.zerodayinitiative.com/advisories/ZDI-21-153/
- https://www.zerodayinitiative.com/advisories/ZDI-21-154/
- https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2021-22502
