CVE-2020-7159 in Intelligent Management Center
Summary
by MITRE • 10/20/2020
A customtemplateselect 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 identified as CVE-2020-7159 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 issue resides in the customtemplateselect expression language component, which processes user-supplied input without adequate sanitization or validation mechanisms. The flaw enables attackers to inject malicious expressions that can be executed within the application's runtime environment, potentially allowing full system compromise. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and improper handling of expression language constructs that are typically used for template processing and dynamic content generation within the iMC platform.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of the customtemplateselect functionality, where attacker-controlled input is processed as part of an expression language evaluation. When the system processes these malformed inputs, the expression language parser executes unintended code sequences, leading to arbitrary command execution on the target system. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-94, which describes "Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')" and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: Python" and T1059.001 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell," depending on the underlying execution environment. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple code injection as it allows attackers to escalate privileges and gain complete control over the affected iMC platform.
The operational implications of this vulnerability are severe for organizations utilizing HPE iMC platforms, as the remote code execution capability enables attackers to compromise entire network management infrastructures. The iMC platform serves as a central management console for network devices, making it a prime target for attackers seeking persistent access to enterprise networks. Successful exploitation could result in data exfiltration, network reconnaissance, lateral movement, and the installation of backdoors or additional malware. Organizations may face significant regulatory and compliance implications if the platform is used to manage sensitive network infrastructure, as this vulnerability could lead to unauthorized access to critical network components and potential service disruptions. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers can exploit it from external networks without requiring physical access or prior authentication.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-7159 should prioritize immediate patching of affected iMC platforms to version 7.3 E0705P07 or later, as provided by HPE security advisories. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit access to iMC platforms and restrict external exposure where possible. Additionally, network monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous expression language usage patterns or unexpected command executions that may indicate exploitation attempts. Input validation controls should be strengthened at the application level to prevent injection of malicious expression language constructs. Security teams should also consider implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems specifically configured to identify and block exploitation attempts targeting this vulnerability. Regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to ensure proper remediation and to identify similar vulnerabilities within the broader network infrastructure. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing to verify that patches do not introduce compatibility issues with existing iMC configurations and integrations.