CVE-2019-11677 in Firewall Analyzer
Summary
by MITRE
The Custom Report import function in Zoho ManageEngine Firewall Analyzer before 12.3 Build 123224 is vulnerable to XML External Entity (XXE) Injection.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/11/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-11677 affects Zoho ManageEngine Firewall Analyzer version 12.3 Build 123224 and earlier, specifically within its Custom Report import functionality. This represents a critical security flaw that enables attackers to exploit XML External Entity injection vulnerabilities during the import process of custom reports. The issue stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization of XML data when processing imported reports, creating an avenue for malicious actors to manipulate the system through crafted XML payloads.
The technical flaw manifests when the application processes XML files containing external entity references during import operations. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability by crafting specially formatted XML documents that reference external resources or execute malicious commands on the underlying system. The XXE injection allows for various attack vectors including server-side request forgery, internal network reconnaissance, and potential arbitrary code execution depending on the system configuration and privileges. This vulnerability falls under CWE-611 which specifically addresses Improper Restriction of XML External Entity Reference and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1213.002 for Data from Information Repositories.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it provides attackers with the ability to access sensitive system information and potentially gain unauthorized control over the Firewall Analyzer server. An attacker could use this vulnerability to perform internal network scanning, access internal system files, or even escalate privileges if the application runs with elevated permissions. The attack surface extends beyond simple data exfiltration to include potential denial of service conditions and system compromise. Organizations relying on Firewall Analyzer for network security monitoring could face significant operational disruption and security breaches if this vulnerability is exploited.
Mitigation strategies should include immediate patching to version 12.3 Build 123224 or later, which addresses the XXE vulnerability through proper XML parsing controls and input validation. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to limit access to the Firewall Analyzer system, disable unnecessary XML import functionality where possible, and monitor for suspicious import activities. Additional defensive measures include implementing web application firewalls, restricting XML parsing capabilities, and conducting regular security assessments of XML processing functions. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation and secure XML processing practices, particularly in enterprise security tools that handle sensitive network data and configuration information.