CVE-2020-25034 in eMPS
Summary
by MITRE • 10/26/2020
eMPS prior to eMPS 9.0 FireEye EX 3500 devices allows remote authenticated users to conduct SQL injection attacks via the sort, sort_by, search{URL], or search[attachment] parameter to the email search feature.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/27/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-25034 affects FireEye EX 3500 devices running eMPS versions prior to 9.0, representing a critical SQL injection flaw within the email search functionality. This vulnerability resides in the web interface's handling of user-supplied input parameters, specifically targeting the sort, sort_by, search URL, and search attachment parameters. The issue enables authenticated remote attackers to manipulate database queries through crafted input, potentially leading to unauthorized data access, modification, or deletion. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic improper input validation flaw that directly impacts the application's database layer.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the email search feature where the application fails to properly sanitize or escape user input before incorporating it into SQL queries. When an authenticated user submits malicious input through any of the affected parameters, the application processes this input without adequate validation, allowing attackers to inject arbitrary SQL commands. This flaw stems from the application's failure to implement proper parameterized queries or input sanitization mechanisms, creating an environment where database commands can be executed with the privileges of the web application. The vulnerability can be classified under CWE-89 as SQL injection, with specific implications for data confidentiality and integrity.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as authenticated attackers can leverage the SQL injection to escalate privileges, extract sensitive information from the database, or even modify system configurations. The FireEye EX 3500 device operates within security-critical environments where email content and metadata are often highly sensitive, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous. Attackers could potentially access email communications, user credentials, system configurations, or other confidential data stored within the device's database. The authenticated nature of the attack means that an attacker would need valid credentials, but this requirement does not significantly mitigate the risk given that many security devices have default credentials or users may reuse credentials across systems.
Security professionals should implement immediate mitigations including upgrading to eMPS 9.0 or later versions where this vulnerability has been addressed. Network segmentation and access controls should be reinforced to limit the number of authenticated users who can access the email search functionality. Regular monitoring of database logs for unusual query patterns or unauthorized access attempts should be implemented to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol usage and T1190 for exploit for privilege escalation. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and database activity monitoring solutions to provide additional layers of protection against similar injection attacks. The remediation process should include thorough testing of the updated software to ensure that the fix does not introduce regressions in the email search functionality while maintaining proper security controls.