CVE-2014-8499 in Password Manager Pro
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in ManageEngine Password Manager Pro (PMP) and Password Manager Pro Managed Service Providers (MSP) edition before 7.1 build 7105 allow remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the SEARCH_ALL parameter to (1) SQLAdvancedALSearchResult.cc or (2) AdvancedSearchResult.cc.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/31/2024
The CVE-2014-8499 vulnerability represents a critical SQL injection flaw discovered in ManageEngine Password Manager Pro and its Managed Service Providers edition. This vulnerability affects versions prior to 7.1 build 7105 and demonstrates a significant security weakness in the application's input validation mechanisms. The flaw specifically targets the SEARCH_ALL parameter handling within two critical server-side components: SQLAdvancedALSearchResult.cc and AdvancedSearchResult.cc. These components are responsible for processing advanced search queries within the password management system, making them prime targets for attackers seeking to exploit the system's database interactions.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate sanitization of user-supplied input parameters within the search functionality. When authenticated users submit search queries containing malicious SQL payloads through the SEARCH_ALL parameter, the application fails to properly escape or validate these inputs before incorporating them into database queries. This allows attackers to inject arbitrary SQL commands that execute within the context of the database connection, potentially enabling full database compromise. The vulnerability manifests in the way the application constructs dynamic SQL statements without proper parameterization or input filtering, creating a direct pathway for SQL injection attacks.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability poses severe risks to organizations using ManageEngine Password Manager Pro. Successful exploitation could enable attackers to extract sensitive password information, modify database records, or even escalate privileges within the system. The authenticated nature of the attack means that an attacker would need valid credentials to exploit this vulnerability, but once compromised, the impact extends beyond simple credential theft to full database access. This represents a significant threat to privileged account management systems where the password manager serves as a critical security control. The vulnerability also impacts the integrity of the entire password management infrastructure, potentially allowing attackers to manipulate access controls and authentication mechanisms.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigation strategies including updating to the patched version 7.1 build 7105 or later, which addresses the input validation issues in the affected components. Network segmentation and access controls should be strengthened to limit access to the password manager application to authorized users only. Implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries in the application code would prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in the future. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive security assessments of their password management systems and consider implementing database activity monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-89 which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws, and represents a typical example of how insufficient input validation can lead to critical database compromise. The attack vector follows ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol and T1046 for network service scanning, making it a multi-faceted threat requiring comprehensive defensive measures. Regular security patching and vulnerability management processes are essential to prevent exploitation of such vulnerabilities in enterprise environments.