CVE-2020-14947 in OCS Inventory NG
Summary
by MITRE
OCS Inventory NG 2.7 allows Remote Command Execution via shell metacharacters to require/commandLine/CommandLine.php because mib_file in plugins/main_sections/ms_config/ms_snmp_config.php is mishandled in get_mib_oid.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/29/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-14947 affects OCS Inventory NG version 2.7, a widely used open-source inventory management solution for tracking hardware and software assets across enterprise networks. This critical security flaw resides in the command line execution functionality within the system's web interface, specifically in the require/commandLine/CommandLine.php component. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of shell metacharacters, creating a remote code execution vector that could be exploited by attackers to gain unauthorized access to affected systems.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability can be traced to the mishandling of the mib_file parameter within the plugins/main_sections/ms_config/ms_snmp_config.php file. When the system processes SNMP configuration data, it fails to properly sanitize or validate the mib_file input before incorporating it into shell commands. This improper input validation creates a classic command injection vulnerability where attacker-controlled data flows directly into system commands without adequate sanitization. The flaw aligns with CWE-78, which specifically addresses improper neutralization of special elements used in OS commands, and represents a direct violation of secure coding practices for input validation and command execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and far-reaching for organizations utilizing OCS Inventory NG 2.7. An attacker who can submit malicious input through the SNMP configuration interface could execute arbitrary commands on the target system with the privileges of the web application user. This remote code execution capability enables attackers to escalate their privileges, install backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, or use the compromised system as a launch point for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability affects the entire enterprise inventory management infrastructure, potentially exposing critical asset information and system resources to unauthorized access.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately implement multiple layers of mitigation strategies to protect their systems. The primary recommendation involves applying the vendor-provided security patch or upgrading to a patched version of OCS Inventory NG that addresses the command injection flaw. Additionally, network segmentation should be implemented to limit access to the inventory management system, particularly restricting direct internet access to the web interface. Input validation should be enhanced at multiple levels, including implementing strict sanitization of all user inputs and employing parameterized command execution where possible. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect suspicious command execution patterns and unusual network traffic originating from the inventory management system, as outlined in the attack patterns documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1059 technique for command and scripting interpreter.
The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation in web applications and the dangerous consequences of shell command injection flaws in enterprise systems. Organizations should conduct comprehensive security assessments of their inventory management systems and implement regular vulnerability scanning to identify similar issues in other components. The flaw also highlights the need for secure coding practices and input sanitization in all system components, particularly those handling external data inputs or executing system commands. Regular security training for development teams and implementation of automated security testing in development pipelines can help prevent similar vulnerabilities from being introduced in future releases of the software.