CVE-2018-10466 in ADAudit Plus
Summary
by MITRE
Zoho ManageEngine ADAudit Plus before 5.0.0 build 5100 allows blind SQL Injection.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/25/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-10466 affects Zoho ManageEngine ADAudit Plus version 5.0.0 build 5100 and earlier, representing a critical blind SQL injection flaw that compromises the database integrity and confidentiality of affected systems. This vulnerability resides within the application's authentication and authorization mechanisms, specifically in how user input is processed when interacting with the backend database through SQL queries. The flaw enables attackers to manipulate database queries without direct feedback, making detection more challenging while providing extensive access to sensitive organizational data.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the application's web interface components. When users interact with the system through various administrative functions, the application fails to properly escape or parameterize user-supplied data before incorporating it into SQL command structures. This allows malicious actors to inject crafted SQL payloads that can manipulate database operations through boolean-based or time-based blind techniques. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-89 as SQL injection, with the blind nature indicating that attackers cannot directly observe query results through the user interface, necessitating indirect methods to confirm successful exploitation.
Operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft to encompass complete system compromise and potential lateral movement within network environments. Attackers exploiting this flaw can access sensitive user credentials, system configurations, audit logs, and other privileged information stored within the database. The implications are particularly severe for organizations relying on ADAudit Plus for security monitoring and compliance auditing, as the compromised system may provide attackers with insights into network activities, user behaviors, and security control effectiveness. This vulnerability can facilitate privilege escalation attacks and enable persistent access to critical infrastructure components, making it a prime target for advanced persistent threat actors.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-10466 require immediate implementation of security patches provided by Zoho ManageEngine, specifically upgrading to version 5.0.0 build 5100 or later. Organizations should also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of the affected system to untrusted networks. Input validation mechanisms should be strengthened through parameterized queries and stored procedures to prevent similar vulnerabilities in other application components. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual database query patterns and automated scanning for SQL injection attempts. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer protocols and T1213.002 for data from other systems, representing a critical compromise of database security controls that requires comprehensive remediation across all affected systems.