CVE-2020-7181 in Intelligent Management Center
Summary
by MITRE • 10/20/2020
A smsrulesdownload 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-2020-7181 represents a critical remote code execution flaw in HPE Intelligent Management Center (iMC) platforms that has significant implications for enterprise network management systems. This vulnerability specifically affects versions prior to iMC PLAT 7.3 (E0705P07) and stems from improper input validation within the smsrulesdownload expression language component. The flaw allows attackers to inject malicious expressions that can be executed within the context of the iMC application, potentially leading to complete system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive network infrastructure management functions.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-94, which describes improper control of generation of code, specifically indicating a weakness in how expression language is processed within the application. The vulnerability exists in the smsrulesdownload functionality where user-supplied input is not properly sanitized or validated before being processed as part of an expression language evaluation. This creates an environment where malicious actors can craft specially crafted payloads that exploit the expression language engine to execute arbitrary commands on the affected system. The vulnerability is classified as a remote code execution issue because the exploitation can occur without requiring physical access to the system, making it particularly dangerous in networked environments where iMC systems are deployed.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability presents a severe threat to organizations relying on HPE iMC for network management and monitoring. The remote code execution capability allows attackers to gain full administrative control over the iMC platform, potentially enabling them to manipulate network configurations, access sensitive management data, or use the compromised system as a pivot point for attacking other network components. The vulnerability affects the core functionality of iMC systems which typically serve as central management points for enterprise networks, making any compromise potentially devastating to network security posture and operational continuity.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigation strategies including applying the vendor-provided security patches for iMC PLAT 7.3 (E0705P07) or higher versions that address this vulnerability. Network segmentation and access controls should be strengthened to limit exposure of iMC systems to untrusted networks, while monitoring systems should be enhanced to detect anomalous behavior patterns consistent with exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 which covers "Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell," indicating that the exploitation may involve command execution capabilities that could be leveraged for further attack progression within the compromised network environment. Security teams should also consider implementing network-based intrusion detection systems specifically configured to identify traffic patterns associated with expression language injection attacks against known vulnerable applications.