CVE-2020-21785 in IBOS
Summary
by MITRE • 06/24/2021
In IBOS 4.5.4 Open, the database backup has Command Injection Vulnerability.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/02/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-21785 affects IBOS 4.5.4 Open, a business management software platform that provides enterprise resource planning and collaboration functionalities. This security flaw resides within the database backup functionality of the application, representing a critical weakness that could enable unauthorized command execution on the underlying system. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the backup module, where user-supplied parameters are directly incorporated into system commands without proper authorization checks or parameter escaping mechanisms. This design oversight creates a pathway for malicious actors to inject arbitrary commands that will be executed with the privileges of the application's database user account, potentially compromising the entire system infrastructure.
The technical implementation of this command injection vulnerability occurs when the application processes backup requests that include user-provided database credentials or configuration parameters. Attackers can manipulate these inputs to append malicious commands that will be interpreted and executed by the underlying operating system shell. The flaw typically manifests when the application constructs system calls or database backup commands using string concatenation or interpolation without proper sanitization of user inputs. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-77 category of Command Injection, which is classified as a high-severity weakness in the Common Weakness Enumeration framework. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because database backup operations often require elevated privileges, making successful exploitation potentially catastrophic for system security and data integrity.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data compromise, as it enables attackers to execute arbitrary code on the target system with the privileges of the database service account. This could result in complete system takeover, data exfiltration, lateral movement within the network, and persistent backdoor installation. The vulnerability affects organizations using IBOS 4.5.4 Open who may be unaware of the compromised backup functionality, potentially allowing attackers to gain access to sensitive business data, user credentials, and system configurations. The attack surface is particularly concerning for enterprise environments where database backup operations are frequently performed and may include system-level commands that could be exploited to escalate privileges or access restricted system components.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-21785 should focus on immediate input validation and sanitization of all user-provided parameters within the backup functionality. Organizations should implement proper parameterized queries and command execution mechanisms that prevent string concatenation with user inputs. The recommended approach involves using secure coding practices that adhere to the principle of least privilege, ensuring that database backup operations execute with minimal required permissions. Security patches and updates from the vendor should be applied immediately, while network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit exposure of the vulnerable application. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can help monitor for suspicious command injection patterns. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, and T1078 for Valid Accounts, as attackers may leverage compromised backup functionality to maintain persistence and execute malicious commands with elevated privileges. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other application components and ensure comprehensive protection against command injection attacks.