CVE-2015-8249 in Desktop Central
Summary
by MITRE
The FileUploadServlet class in ManageEngine Desktop Central 9 before build 91093 allows remote attackers to upload and execute arbitrary files via the ConnectionId parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/03/2024
The FileUploadServlet class in ManageEngine Desktop Central 9 before build 91093 contains a critical file upload vulnerability that enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. This vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the ConnectionId parameter processing mechanism, allowing malicious actors to bypass security controls and upload malicious files to the server. The vulnerability exists in the web application's file handling logic where user-supplied data is not properly validated before being processed, creating an exploitable path for unauthorized file operations.
This security flaw represents a classic insecure file upload vulnerability that aligns with CWE-434, which specifically addresses the issue of unsanitized file uploads that can lead to arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability enables attackers to upload malicious files such as web shells, executables, or script files that can be executed within the context of the web application. The ConnectionId parameter serves as the attack vector where an attacker can manipulate the input to include malicious file content, bypassing the normal file upload restrictions that should prevent such operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it provides attackers with a direct path to compromise the underlying system infrastructure. Once an attacker successfully exploits this vulnerability, they can execute arbitrary commands on the server, potentially gaining full administrative control over the affected Desktop Central instance. This allows for data exfiltration, system enumeration, privilege escalation, and persistence mechanisms that can be used for further network infiltration. The vulnerability affects organizations using ManageEngine Desktop Central 9 before build 91093, which represents a significant portion of users who may be operating with outdated security configurations.
From an attack perspective, this vulnerability maps to several ATT&CK techniques including T1190 for exploitation of remote services and T1059 for command and script execution. The attack chain typically involves crafting a malicious payload with the appropriate file extension and content, then submitting it through the vulnerable ConnectionId parameter. This allows attackers to establish a foothold within the network and potentially escalate privileges to gain broader access to enterprise resources. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal privileges and can be automated, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where Desktop Central is used for system management and monitoring.
Organizations should immediately apply the vendor-provided patch for ManageEngine Desktop Central 9 build 91093 or higher to remediate this vulnerability. Additional mitigations include implementing proper input validation and sanitization for all user-supplied parameters, restricting file upload functionality to authenticated users only, and implementing strict file type and content validation. Network segmentation and monitoring of file upload activities can help detect suspicious behavior. Security teams should also review access controls and implement principle of least privilege for the Desktop Central application to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of keeping enterprise management tools updated and implementing proper security controls around file handling operations.