CVE-2017-16846 in Applications Manager
Summary
by MITRE
Zoho ManageEngine Applications Manager 13 allows SQL injection via the /manageApplications.do?method=AddSubGroup haid parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/26/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-16846 affects Zoho ManageEngine Applications Manager version 13, presenting a critical SQL injection flaw that can be exploited by remote attackers to execute arbitrary database commands. This vulnerability specifically resides within the web application's handling of the haid parameter in the /manageApplications.do?method=AddSubGroup endpoint, which processes user input without proper sanitization or validation mechanisms. The flaw allows malicious actors to manipulate the SQL query structure by injecting malicious SQL code through the targeted parameter, potentially leading to unauthorized access to sensitive data stored within the application's database infrastructure.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation and parameter handling within the application's backend processing logic. When the haid parameter is submitted through the specified endpoint, the application fails to properly escape or filter special characters that could alter the intended SQL query execution path. This weakness aligns with CWE-89, which classifies SQL injection vulnerabilities as a direct result of insufficient input validation and sanitization of user-supplied data before incorporating it into database queries. The vulnerability exists at the application layer where user input transitions into database operations, creating an attack surface that can be exploited through standard web application penetration testing methodologies.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data exposure, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to perform complete database compromise operations including data retrieval, modification, deletion, and potentially elevation of privileges within the application environment. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to extract sensitive information such as user credentials, application configuration details, and business-critical data stored within the ManageEngine application manager. Additionally, the compromised system could serve as a foothold for further lateral movement within the network infrastructure, especially if the application shares database resources with other systems or maintains elevated privileges. This vulnerability directly impacts the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected application and its underlying data assets.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigation strategies including input validation and parameter sanitization measures to prevent SQL injection attacks, alongside comprehensive patching of the affected software version. The recommended approach involves applying the vendor-supplied security patches or updates that address the specific input validation flaws in the application's parameter handling mechanisms. Network segmentation and web application firewalls should be deployed to monitor and filter suspicious SQL injection patterns targeting the vulnerable endpoint. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities within the application's codebase, while implementing proper database access controls and monitoring mechanisms to detect unauthorized database activities. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of adhering to secure coding practices and following established security frameworks such as those outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and MITRE ATT&CK framework, which categorize SQL injection as a persistent threat requiring continuous monitoring and remediation efforts.