CVE-2020-27362 in Provisioning Manager
Summary
by MITRE • 07/01/2021
An issue exists within the SSH console of Akkadian Provisioning Manager 4.50.02 which allows a low-level privileged user to escape the web configuration file editor and escalate privileges.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/09/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-27362 represents a critical privilege escalation flaw within the SSH console implementation of Akkadian Provisioning Manager version 4.50.02. This issue specifically targets the web-based configuration file editor component that operates through secure shell protocols, creating a pathway for attackers with minimal privileges to gain elevated access rights. The flaw manifests in the improper handling of user input and session management within the web interface, allowing malicious actors to bypass intended security boundaries that should restrict access to system configuration files.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and insufficient privilege separation mechanisms within the SSH console environment. When low-level privileged users interact with the web configuration file editor, the system fails to properly sanitize user inputs or enforce proper access controls, enabling attackers to inject malicious commands or manipulate the underlying system calls. This weakness aligns with common software security flaws categorized under CWE-20, which addresses improper input validation, and CWE-264, which covers permissions, privileges, and access controls. The vulnerability essentially allows an attacker to escape the confined environment of the web editor and gain access to higher-level system functions that should remain restricted.
The operational impact of this privilege escalation vulnerability is significant for organizations utilizing Akkadian Provisioning Manager 4.50.02, as it directly compromises the integrity of their system configuration management processes. Once exploited, attackers can modify critical system parameters, access sensitive configuration data, and potentially establish persistent access points within the network infrastructure. This vulnerability undermines the fundamental security model of the provisioning manager, where different privilege levels should maintain clear separation to prevent unauthorized system modifications. The threat landscape surrounding this issue places it within ATT&CK framework category T1068, which covers 'Local Privilege Escalation', and T1566, which addresses 'Phishing', as exploitation often requires initial access through social engineering or other attack vectors that lead to the vulnerable system.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including patching the system to the latest available version that addresses this vulnerability, implementing strict access controls for SSH console access, and conducting thorough security audits of all web-based configuration interfaces. Network segmentation and monitoring of SSH sessions should be enhanced to detect anomalous behavior patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing principle of least privilege policies, ensuring that only authorized personnel maintain access to system configuration interfaces, and regularly review access logs for suspicious activities. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and privilege management in web applications, particularly those that interface with system-level functions through secure shell protocols, making it essential for security teams to address such flaws proactively rather than reactively.