CVE-2020-7142 in Intelligent Management Center
Summary
by MITRE • 10/20/2020
A eventinfo_content expression language injection remote code execution vulnerability was discovered in HPE Intelligent Management Center (iMC) version(s): Prior to iMC PLAT 7.3 (E0705P07).
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/21/2020
The vulnerability CVE-2020-7142 represents a critical eventinfo_content expression language injection flaw within HPE Intelligent Management Center (iMC) platforms. This remote code execution vulnerability affects versions prior to iMC PLAT 7.3 (E0705P07) and stems from insufficient input validation in the eventinfo_content parameter handling. The flaw allows remote attackers to inject malicious expression language code that can be executed within the context of the iMC application, potentially leading to complete system compromise. This vulnerability is particularly concerning as it enables attackers to execute arbitrary code on the target system without requiring authentication, making it a severe threat to network management infrastructure.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through improper sanitization of user-supplied input in the eventinfo_content parameter. When the iMC platform processes event information containing malicious expression language code, the system fails to adequately validate or escape the input before processing. This allows attackers to inject expression language constructs that can execute arbitrary commands on the underlying operating system. The vulnerability falls under CWE-94, which specifically addresses "Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')" and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell," as attackers can leverage this flaw to execute system commands through the expression language injection mechanism.
The operational impact of CVE-2020-7142 extends beyond simple remote code execution, as it can enable attackers to establish persistent access to network management systems that are typically considered critical infrastructure components. Network administrators rely on iMC platforms for monitoring and managing enterprise networks, making these systems prime targets for attackers seeking to gain persistent access to organizational networks. Successful exploitation can result in complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and potential lateral movement within the network. The vulnerability affects the platform's event handling functionality, which is crucial for network monitoring and security operations, potentially allowing attackers to disrupt network management operations while remaining undetected.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-7142 should prioritize immediate patching of affected iMC versions to iMC PLAT 7.3 (E0705P07) or later releases where the vulnerability has been addressed. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit access to iMC platforms and apply strict firewall rules to restrict communication to only necessary services. Additionally, monitoring for suspicious activity in event handling components and implementing input validation controls can help detect potential exploitation attempts. Security teams should also consider implementing network-based intrusion detection systems that can identify malicious expression language patterns in network traffic. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and output encoding in preventing code injection attacks, aligning with security best practices outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST Cybersecurity Framework for protecting critical infrastructure components.