CVE-2020-7182 in Intelligent Management Center
Summary
by MITRE • 10/20/2020
A sshconfig 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-2020-7182 represents a critical remote code execution flaw in HPE Intelligent Management Center (iMC) systems, specifically affecting versions prior to iMC PLAT 7.3 E0705P07. This vulnerability resides within the sshconfig expression language component, which processes user-supplied input for SSH configuration management. The flaw allows attackers to inject malicious expressions that are subsequently evaluated by the system, creating a pathway for arbitrary code execution on the affected server. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it enables attackers to execute commands with the privileges of the iMC service account, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the sshconfig expression language parser. When users provide SSH configuration parameters through the web interface or API endpoints, the system fails to properly validate or escape special characters that could be interpreted as command sequences. This weakness directly maps to CWE-94, which describes "Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')" and specifically relates to expression language injection scenarios. Attackers can craft malicious payloads that exploit the underlying expression evaluation engine to execute arbitrary shell commands on the target system, bypassing normal authentication and authorization mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple remote code execution, as it provides attackers with persistent access to the iMC platform and potentially the entire network infrastructure it manages. Since iMC serves as a centralized management platform for network devices, successful exploitation can lead to unauthorized access to critical network components including routers, switches, firewalls, and other managed devices. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, where adversaries use legitimate system tools to execute commands. The vulnerability also enables lateral movement within the network, as iMC often maintains connections to various network segments and can be used to pivot to other systems. Additionally, the compromised system can be used to establish persistence mechanisms, create backdoors, or exfiltrate sensitive network configuration data.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-7182 should prioritize immediate patching of affected iMC installations to version 7.3 E0705P07 or later, which includes proper input validation and sanitization measures for the sshconfig expression language. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to restrict access to iMC management interfaces, limiting exposure to untrusted networks. Additional defensive measures include monitoring for unusual SSH configuration changes, implementing web application firewalls to detect malicious payloads, and conducting regular security assessments of the iMC environment. Organizations should also establish privileged access management controls to limit who can modify SSH configurations and implement least privilege principles for iMC service accounts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of validating all user inputs in expression language contexts and demonstrates the critical need for secure coding practices in enterprise management platforms that handle network configuration data.