CVE-2019-7161 in ADSelfService Plus
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered in Zoho ManageEngine ADSelfService Plus 5.x through build 5704. It uses fixed ciphering keys to protect information, giving the capacity for an attacker to decipher any protected data.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/30/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-7161 affects Zoho ManageEngine ADSelfService Plus version 5.x through build 5704, representing a critical cryptographic weakness that undermines the security of protected data within the application. This flaw stems from the implementation of fixed ciphering keys, which violates fundamental cryptographic principles and creates a significant attack surface for malicious actors seeking to compromise sensitive information. The use of static keys in encryption algorithms fundamentally compromises the confidentiality guarantees that users expect from security implementations.
The technical flaw manifests through the deterministic use of hardcoded cryptographic keys throughout the application's data protection mechanisms. This approach directly contravenes established security practices outlined in cwe-327, which addresses the use of weak cryptographic algorithms and the improper implementation of cryptographic functions. When encryption relies on fixed keys rather than dynamically generated session keys or proper key derivation mechanisms, it creates a scenario where any attacker who can obtain or reverse-engineer these keys can decrypt all protected data without requiring additional authentication or sophisticated attack vectors. The vulnerability essentially provides a backdoor to the entire encryption system through predictable key usage patterns.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data exposure, as it enables comprehensive data recovery capabilities for unauthorized parties. Attackers can exploit this weakness to access user credentials, personal information, and other sensitive data that should remain protected by the application's security controls. This vulnerability particularly affects organizations relying on ADSelfService Plus for self-service password reset and identity management functions, where the compromise of encrypted data could lead to identity theft, unauthorized access to systems, and broader security breaches. The implications are especially severe given that the application typically handles privileged user information and authentication data.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-7161 require immediate implementation of proper cryptographic key management practices, including the adoption of dynamic key generation, secure key storage mechanisms, and adherence to industry standards such as those defined in the NIST SP 800-57 cryptographic standards. Organizations should upgrade to patched versions of ADSelfService Plus where fixed keys have been replaced with secure key derivation functions and proper key rotation mechanisms. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of following established security frameworks including those referenced in the MITRE ATT&CK matrix under the credential access category, where compromised encryption keys represent a direct pathway for attackers to obtain system credentials and privileged information. Additionally, implementing proper key management solutions and ensuring that cryptographic implementations follow best practices for key length, entropy, and secure generation processes will prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in future deployments.