CVE-2020-7180 in Intelligent Management Center
Summary
by MITRE • 10/20/2020
A ictexpertdownload 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-2020-7180 represents a critical expression language injection flaw within HPE Intelligent Management Center (iMC) platforms. This vulnerability specifically affects versions prior to iMC PLAT 7.3 E0705P07, creating a significant remote code execution risk for organizations utilizing these systems. The issue stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the iMC platform's handling of user-supplied data, particularly in contexts where expression language processing occurs. The vulnerability allows attackers to inject malicious expressions that can be evaluated by the system's underlying expression engine, potentially enabling unauthorized code execution on the affected servers.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of input parameters that are subsequently processed through expression language evaluation mechanisms. Attackers can craft malicious payloads that leverage the expression language capabilities to execute arbitrary commands on the target system. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-94, which describes improper control of generation of code, specifically covering cases where user-supplied input is processed through interpreted languages or expression evaluators. The attack vector typically involves sending specially crafted requests to the iMC web interface or API endpoints that handle user input, where the system's expression language processor evaluates the malicious input without proper sanitization, leading to code execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple remote code execution, as it can enable attackers to gain complete control over the affected iMC platform. Organizations may face data breaches, system compromise, and potential lateral movement within their network infrastructure. The vulnerability affects the platform's core management capabilities, potentially allowing attackers to manipulate network configurations, access sensitive data, or establish persistent access points within the environment. This represents a critical risk for enterprise networks that rely on iMC for network management, as compromise of the platform can lead to widespread operational disruption and security breaches.
Security mitigations for CVE-2020-7180 primarily involve applying the vendor-provided patches and updates released for iMC PLAT 7.3 E0705P07 and subsequent versions. Organizations should immediately upgrade their iMC installations to the patched versions to eliminate the vulnerability. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit exposure of the iMC platform to untrusted networks. Additionally, monitoring for suspicious requests and implementing web application firewalls can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's classification under ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter indicates that defensive measures should focus on preventing expression language injection and monitoring for unusual command execution patterns. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify any remaining exposure risks and ensure comprehensive protection against similar vulnerabilities in the platform's architecture.