CVE-2017-9376 in ServiceDesk Plus
Summary
by MITRE
ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus before 9314 contains a local file inclusion vulnerability in the defModule parameter in DefaultConfigDef.do and AssetDefaultConfigDef.do.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/07/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-9376 represents a critical local file inclusion flaw within ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus versions prior to 9314. This vulnerability specifically affects the defModule parameter handling in two key files: DefaultConfigDef.do and AssetDefaultConfigDef.do. The issue stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms that allow attackers to manipulate the application's parameter processing logic. When the application processes user-supplied input through the defModule parameter without proper validation, it becomes susceptible to malicious file inclusion attempts that can potentially lead to arbitrary code execution or unauthorized access to sensitive system resources.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through manipulation of the defModule parameter which is processed by the DefaultConfigDef.do and AssetDefaultConfigDef.do scripts. Attackers can craft malicious payloads that exploit the lack of proper input validation, allowing them to include local files from the server filesystem. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-22 category of Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory, commonly known as Path Traversal. The vulnerability enables an attacker to potentially access sensitive files, configuration data, or system resources that should normally be restricted from direct access. The flaw exists due to inadequate sanitization of user input before it is used in file operations, creating a pathway for malicious actors to bypass normal access controls and execute unauthorized operations within the application's context.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data exposure, potentially enabling full system compromise when exploited by skilled attackers. An attacker who successfully exploits this local file inclusion vulnerability could gain access to sensitive configuration files, database connection details, user credentials stored in configuration files, or even execute arbitrary code on the server hosting ServiceDesk Plus. This represents a significant risk to organizations relying on ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus for their IT service management operations, as it could lead to unauthorized access to critical business data and potentially provide a foothold for further lateral movement within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability affects the application's core configuration management functionality, making it particularly dangerous as it targets the system's ability to properly manage and secure its own configuration parameters.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including applying the vendor-provided patch for ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus version 9314 or later, which addresses the input validation issues in the affected scripts. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit exposure of the ServiceDesk Plus application to untrusted networks or users. Regular security monitoring and log analysis should be enhanced to detect suspicious parameter manipulation attempts, particularly around the defModule parameter usage. Input validation should be strengthened at multiple layers including application-level sanitization, web application firewall rules, and database query parameterization. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1068 for Exploitation for Privilege Escalation, indicating potential for both code execution and privilege escalation attacks. System administrators should also conduct thorough vulnerability assessments and penetration testing to ensure no other similar vulnerabilities exist within the application's codebase, particularly in other configuration management modules that may share similar input handling patterns.