CVE-2017-11740 in Application Manager
Summary
by MITRE
In Zoho ManageEngine Application Manager 13.1 Build 13100, the administrative user has the ability to upload files/binaries that can be executed upon the occurrence of an alarm. An attacker can abuse this functionality by uploading a malicious script that can be executed on the remote system.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/14/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-11740 resides within Zoho ManageEngine Application Manager version 13.1 Build 13100, presenting a critical security flaw that enables arbitrary code execution through file upload capabilities. This vulnerability operates within the context of administrative functionality where authorized users can configure alarm triggers that execute specific binary files or scripts. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms that govern the file upload process, allowing malicious actors to bypass security controls and deploy executable payloads.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a classic insecure file upload attack vector where the application fails to properly validate file types, extensions, or content before storing and executing uploaded binaries. Attackers can exploit this by uploading malicious scripts or executables that are subsequently executed when alarm conditions are triggered, effectively providing remote code execution capabilities on the target system. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it leverages legitimate administrative functionality, making it difficult to detect through standard network monitoring or intrusion detection systems. This type of vulnerability maps directly to CWE-434, which describes insecure file upload scenarios where applications accept untrusted files without proper validation mechanisms.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-11740 extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass full system compromise and potential lateral movement within network environments. Once an attacker successfully uploads and executes malicious code, they gain persistent access to the application server, potentially allowing them to establish backdoors, escalate privileges, or use the compromised system as a launch point for further attacks. The vulnerability also presents significant risk to data integrity and confidentiality as attackers can manipulate application behavior, access sensitive configuration data, or exfiltrate information. From an attacker's perspective, this represents a high-value target within the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1059.007 technique for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell" and T1078.004 for "Valid Accounts: Cloud Accounts" when combined with appropriate privilege escalation methods.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-11740 should focus on implementing robust input validation, restricting file upload capabilities, and enforcing proper access controls. Organizations should immediately apply vendor patches or updates to address the vulnerability, while implementing additional security controls such as file type whitelisting, content scanning, and mandatory file extension validation. Network segmentation and monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous file upload activities and suspicious alarm trigger executions. The implementation of principle of least privilege should restrict administrative upload capabilities to only essential personnel, and automated scanning solutions should be deployed to identify and prevent malicious file uploads. Additionally, regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other application components, ensuring comprehensive protection against similar attack vectors.