CVE-2017-16850 in Applications Manager
Summary
by MITRE
Zoho ManageEngine Applications Manager 13 allows SQL injection via the /showresource.do resourceid parameter in a getResourceProfiles action.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/26/2020
The vulnerability CVE-2017-16850 represents a critical SQL injection flaw in Zoho ManageEngine Applications Manager version 13, specifically affecting the /showresource.do endpoint when processing the resourceid parameter within getResourceProfiles actions. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-89 category of SQL Injection, where improper input validation allows malicious actors to inject arbitrary SQL code into the database query execution pipeline. The affected application is a comprehensive monitoring solution that manages various IT infrastructure components, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it could potentially provide attackers with unauthorized access to sensitive operational data.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts malicious input for the resourceid parameter that gets directly incorporated into SQL queries without proper sanitization or parameterization. This allows threat actors to manipulate database queries and potentially execute unauthorized commands, extract confidential information, modify database records, or even escalate privileges within the application environment. The vulnerability exists due to insufficient input validation mechanisms and improper handling of user-supplied data within the application's backend processing logic, creating an attack surface that bypasses standard security controls.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data compromise, as Zoho ManageEngine Applications Manager typically handles critical infrastructure monitoring data including system performance metrics, application health information, and potentially sensitive operational details. Successful exploitation could lead to complete database compromise, unauthorized access to monitoring data, disruption of critical infrastructure monitoring services, and potential lateral movement within network environments where the application is deployed. Organizations relying on this monitoring solution for operational oversight could face significant business continuity risks and regulatory compliance violations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-16850 should include immediate patching of the affected Zoho ManageEngine Applications Manager version 13 to the latest available security updates. Organizations should implement proper input validation and parameterized query execution throughout the application codebase to prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in other components. Network segmentation and access controls should be enforced to limit exposure of the vulnerable endpoint, while comprehensive monitoring should be implemented to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.005 for application layer protocol evasion and T1046 for network service scanning, making it a significant concern for security operations centers monitoring for lateral movement and data exfiltration activities.