CVE-2020-28679 in Applications Manager
Summary
by MITRE • 01/10/2022
A vulnerability in the showReports module of Zoho ManageEngine Applications Manager before build 14550 allows authenticated attackers to execute a SQL injection via a crafted request.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/13/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-28679 resides within the showReports module of Zoho ManageEngine Applications Manager, a comprehensive IT infrastructure monitoring solution. This critical security flaw affects versions prior to build 14550 and represents a significant risk to organizations relying on this platform for system monitoring and management. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation within the report generation functionality, creating an avenue for authenticated attackers to manipulate database queries through maliciously crafted requests. The affected component specifically processes user-supplied parameters during report creation, failing to properly sanitize or escape input data before incorporating it into SQL query structures.
The technical implementation of this SQL injection vulnerability occurs when the showReports module receives user input through HTTP request parameters that are directly embedded into database queries without adequate sanitization. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious payloads that manipulate the SQL execution flow, potentially allowing them to extract sensitive data from the underlying database, modify or delete information, or even escalate privileges within the system. This vulnerability operates under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws where untrusted data is incorporated into SQL commands without proper validation or escaping mechanisms. The attack vector requires authentication, meaning that an attacker must first establish valid credentials to the system before attempting exploitation, though this does not mitigate the severity of the potential impact.
The operational impact of CVE-2020-28679 extends beyond simple data compromise, as it can enable attackers to gain unauthorized access to critical system information including user credentials, configuration details, and monitored infrastructure data. Organizations utilizing Zoho ManageEngine Applications Manager may face severe consequences including data breaches, system integrity compromise, and potential lateral movement within their network environments. The vulnerability's presence in a monitoring platform particularly amplifies its danger, as attackers could potentially access detailed information about system configurations, network topology, and operational metrics that would be valuable for further attacks. This weakness aligns with MITRE ATT&CK framework techniques related to credential access and data extraction, where adversaries leverage application-level vulnerabilities to obtain sensitive information. The authenticated nature of the attack means that attackers could potentially exploit this vulnerability through compromised user accounts, insider threats, or through successful credential theft attempts.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including updating to build 14550 or later versions of Zoho ManageEngine Applications Manager, which contain the necessary patches to address the SQL injection vulnerability. Additionally, network segmentation and access controls should be reviewed to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual report generation patterns or database access activities that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and parameterized queries in preventing SQL injection attacks, reinforcing industry best practices outlined in OWASP Top Ten and other security frameworks. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in other applications and systems within the organization's infrastructure.