CVE-2017-16849 in Applications Manager
Summary
by MITRE
Zoho ManageEngine Applications Manager 13 allows SQL injection via the /MyPage.do?method=viewDashBoard forpage parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/26/2020
The vulnerability CVE-2017-16849 represents a critical SQL injection flaw in Zoho ManageEngine Applications Manager version 13, specifically affecting the /MyPage.do endpoint with the viewDashBoard method and page parameter. This vulnerability resides within a web application framework that manages IT infrastructure monitoring and application performance management. The affected system processes user input through the page parameter without adequate sanitization or parameterization, creating an exploitable condition that allows malicious actors to inject arbitrary SQL commands into the database query execution flow. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it operates within a monitoring application that likely handles sensitive operational data, user credentials, and system configurations.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of the page parameter in the URL structure, where an attacker can craft malicious input that gets directly incorporated into SQL queries executed by the backend database. This flaw stems from inadequate input validation and improper query construction practices, making it susceptible to classic SQL injection attacks. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-89 which defines SQL injection as the insertion of malicious SQL fragments into query statements, and specifically maps to CWE-20 which covers improper input validation. The attack vector operates through the web interface where user-supplied parameters are not properly escaped or parameterized before being used in database operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to gain unauthorized access to the underlying database system. Attackers could potentially extract sensitive information including user credentials, application configurations, system logs, and performance metrics that the monitoring application collects. The implications are particularly severe for enterprise environments where ManageEngine Applications Manager is used for critical infrastructure monitoring, as the compromise could lead to complete system infiltration, data exfiltration, and potential lateral movement within the network. This vulnerability could also facilitate privilege escalation attacks if the database user has elevated permissions, potentially allowing attackers to modify or delete critical system data.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-16849 should prioritize immediate patch application from Zoho, as this vulnerability was addressed in subsequent releases of the Applications Manager suite. Organizations should implement proper input validation and parameterized queries throughout the application codebase to prevent similar issues from occurring in other components. Network segmentation and access controls should be enforced to limit exposure of the vulnerable application to untrusted users. The implementation of web application firewalls and database activity monitoring solutions can provide additional layers of protection. Security teams should also conduct comprehensive code reviews focusing on database interaction patterns and input handling practices, particularly aligning with ATT&CK technique T1071.005 for application layer protocol use and T1190 for exploitation of remote services. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be performed to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in the broader application ecosystem.