CVE-2020-7152 in Intelligent Management Center
Summary
by MITRE • 10/20/2020
A faultparasset expression language injection remote code execution vulnerability was discovered in HPE Intelligent Management Center (iMC) version(s): Prior to iMC PLAT 7.3 (E0705P07).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/21/2020
The vulnerability CVE-2020-7152 represents a critical remote code execution flaw within HPE Intelligent Management Center (iMC) platforms, specifically affecting versions prior to iMC PLAT 7.3 E0705P07. This vulnerability resides in the faultparasset expression language component, which processes user-supplied input for fault management and asset tracking functionalities. The flaw allows attackers to inject malicious expressions that can be evaluated by the system, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution on the affected server. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the expression language parser, creating a direct pathway for malicious actors to escalate privileges and compromise the entire iMC platform.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the improper handling of user-controlled data within the faultparasset expression language interpreter. When legitimate users submit fault management requests or asset tracking queries, the system processes these inputs through the vulnerable expression parser without adequate sanitization measures. This allows attackers to craft malicious payloads that bypass normal validation checks and execute unintended operations within the application context. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-94 as "Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')" and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: Windows Command Shell," indicating potential for command execution through the vulnerable interface.
The operational impact of CVE-2020-7152 extends beyond simple remote code execution, as it can enable attackers to establish persistent access to the iMC platform and potentially escalate privileges to system-level access. Organizations utilizing affected iMC versions face significant risks including data exfiltration, system compromise, and potential lateral movement within their network infrastructure. The vulnerability affects the core management capabilities of HPE iMC, which typically serves as a central point for network monitoring and management, making it an attractive target for cyber adversaries seeking to gain control over critical network operations. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that iMC platforms often operate in enterprise environments with high-value network assets and sensitive operational data.
Security mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-7152 primarily focus on upgrading to HPE iMC PLAT 7.3 E0705P07 or later versions where the vulnerability has been addressed through proper input validation and sanitization measures. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit access to iMC platforms and restrict administrative privileges to essential personnel only. Additional protective measures include monitoring for unusual expression language usage patterns, implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious payloads, and conducting thorough security assessments of the iMC environment. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation in enterprise management platforms and highlights the need for continuous security updates and patch management processes to protect against known exploitation techniques.