CVE-2020-7156 in Intelligent Management Center
Summary
by MITRE • 10/20/2020
A faultinfo_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).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/21/2020
The vulnerability CVE-2020-7156 represents a critical remote code execution flaw in HPE Intelligent Management Center (iMC) platforms, specifically affecting versions prior to iMC PLAT 7.3 E0705P07. This issue stems from inadequate input validation within the faultinfo_content expression language component, creating a pathway for malicious actors to inject arbitrary code into the system. The vulnerability exists in the platform's handling of user-supplied data within expression language contexts, allowing attackers to manipulate the system's interpretation of input parameters and execute unauthorized commands with elevated privileges. The flaw demonstrates characteristics consistent with CWE-94, which describes the improper execution of code due to insufficient validation of untrusted data, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise network management environments where iMC systems typically operate with high-level administrative permissions.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through carefully crafted input that bypasses normal validation mechanisms within the iMC platform's expression language processing engine. Attackers can construct malicious payloads that leverage the faultinfo_content parameter to inject code that executes within the context of the iMC application server. This remote code execution capability enables threat actors to gain full control over the affected system, potentially leading to complete compromise of the network management infrastructure. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that iMC systems often serve as central management points for enterprise networks, providing attackers with a strategic foothold to conduct further reconnaissance and lateral movement attacks. The attack vector operates over standard network protocols, making detection challenging and exploitation relatively straightforward for adversaries with basic technical knowledge.
The operational consequences of this vulnerability extend far beyond simple system compromise, as it fundamentally undermines the security posture of organizations relying on HPE iMC for network management. Successful exploitation can result in complete data exfiltration, system modification, and the establishment of persistent backdoors within the enterprise network infrastructure. Organizations may face regulatory compliance violations, financial losses, and reputational damage if their iMC systems are compromised. The vulnerability's presence in pre-7.3 versions indicates a long-standing issue that affected numerous deployments across various enterprise environments, with potential impacts ranging from small business networks to large-scale enterprise infrastructures. Security teams must consider the broader implications of such a flaw in their overall security architecture, as it represents a critical weakness in the network management layer that could enable attackers to bypass other security controls.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-7156 primarily focus on immediate system updates and patches provided by HPE to address the underlying expression language injection vulnerability. Organizations should prioritize upgrading to iMC PLAT 7.3 E0705P07 or later versions that contain the necessary security fixes. Network segmentation and access control measures should be implemented to limit exposure of iMC systems to untrusted networks, while monitoring systems should be enhanced to detect anomalous behavior patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Security professionals should also consider implementing additional layers of protection such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems specifically configured to identify and block malicious expression language injection attempts. The vulnerability's classification under ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter demonstrates its alignment with common attack patterns used in enterprise network compromise scenarios, reinforcing the importance of comprehensive defensive measures that address both the specific vulnerability and broader exploitation tactics.