CVE-2017-11560 in ManageEngine OpManager
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered in ZOHO ManageEngine OpManager 12.2. By adding a Google Map to the application, an authenticated user can upload an HTML file. This HTML file is then rendered in various locations of the application. JavaScript inside the uploaded HTML is also interpreted by the application. Thus, an attacker can inject a malicious JavaScript payload inside the HTML file and upload it to the application.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/15/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-11560 resides within ZOHO ManageEngine OpManager version 12.2, representing a critical server-side request forgery and cross-site scripting vulnerability that fundamentally compromises the application's security posture. This issue manifests through the application's handling of Google Map integrations, where authenticated users are granted the capability to upload HTML files that subsequently get rendered across multiple application interfaces. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly filter or escape malicious content embedded within uploaded files, creating an attack surface that directly enables arbitrary code execution within the context of the authenticated user's privileges.
The technical flaw operates through a combination of insecure file upload handling and inadequate content rendering security measures, specifically violating established security principles outlined in CWE-434 which addresses insecure file upload vulnerabilities. When an authenticated user uploads an HTML file containing malicious JavaScript, the application processes this content without proper sanitization, leading to the execution of arbitrary code within the victim's browser context. This creates a persistent cross-site scripting vector that can be exploited to steal session cookies, perform unauthorized actions on behalf of users, or redirect victims to malicious sites. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple XSS as it provides attackers with the ability to establish a foothold within the application's user context, potentially enabling further reconnaissance and privilege escalation activities.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is substantial, as it transforms any authenticated user into a potential attacker capable of executing malicious code within the application environment. This weakness can be leveraged to conduct session hijacking attacks, where attackers steal authentication tokens to impersonate legitimate users and gain access to sensitive monitoring data and system configurations that OpManager typically protects. The vulnerability's persistence across multiple application locations means that malicious content can be rendered in various interfaces including dashboards, reports, and monitoring views, amplifying the attack surface and making detection more challenging. Additionally, the vulnerability can be exploited to create backdoor access points or to deliver additional payloads that may lead to complete system compromise.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-11560 should focus on implementing comprehensive input validation, content sanitization, and secure file handling practices that align with industry standards such as those recommended in the OWASP Top Ten and MITRE ATT&CK framework's defense evasion techniques. Organizations should immediately apply the vendor-provided security patches and updates, while implementing additional safeguards including strict file type validation, content inspection mechanisms, and the removal of unnecessary file upload capabilities where possible. Network segmentation and monitoring solutions should be deployed to detect anomalous file upload activities and JavaScript injection attempts. The implementation of Content Security Policy headers and regular security assessments of web application interfaces will help prevent similar vulnerabilities from manifesting in other parts of the application architecture. Furthermore, user access controls should be reviewed to ensure that only necessary personnel have the ability to upload files, reducing the potential attack surface and implementing the principle of least privilege in accordance with security best practices.