CVE-2023-49335 in ADAudit Plus
Summary
by MITRE • 05/20/2024
Zoho ManageEngine ADAudit Plus versions below 7271 allows SQL injection while getting file server details.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/09/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-49335 affects Zoho ManageEngine ADAudit Plus software at versions prior to 7271, presenting a critical security risk through SQL injection exploitation during file server detail retrieval operations. This flaw resides within the application's handling of user-supplied input when processing requests for file server information, creating an avenue for malicious actors to manipulate database queries through crafted input parameters. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the application processes file server details, suggesting that the software's backend database interaction logic fails to properly sanitize or escape user-provided data before incorporating it into SQL command structures.
The technical implementation of this SQL injection vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and parameterized query construction within the file server detail retrieval functionality. Attackers can exploit this weakness by submitting malicious input through parameters used in the file server information request process, potentially allowing them to execute arbitrary SQL commands against the underlying database. This type of vulnerability directly maps to CWE-89 which classifies SQL injection as a code injection technique that exploits improper handling of input data in database queries. The flaw represents a classic case where user input flows directly into SQL execution contexts without proper sanitization or parameterization, enabling attackers to manipulate database operations and potentially gain unauthorized access to sensitive information.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to perform complete database compromise operations including data exfiltration, modification of audit records, or even privilege escalation within the application environment. Given that ADAudit Plus is designed for auditing and monitoring purposes, the compromise of this system could result in the deletion or alteration of critical audit trails, undermining the integrity of security monitoring processes. The vulnerability affects organizations relying on this software for compliance and security monitoring, potentially exposing them to regulatory violations and increased risk of undetected security incidents. Attackers could leverage this weakness to extract sensitive configuration data, user credentials, or system information that would otherwise be protected by proper access controls.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-49335 primarily focus on immediate remediation through the application of the vendor-provided patch or upgrade to version 7271 or later. Organizations should prioritize this update across all affected systems and implement comprehensive testing to ensure the patch does not introduce compatibility issues with existing workflows. Additionally, network segmentation and access controls should be enforced to limit exposure of the affected application to untrusted networks. The implementation of web application firewalls and input validation mechanisms can provide additional defense-in-depth layers. Security teams should also conduct thorough review of audit logs for potential exploitation indicators and implement monitoring for unusual database query patterns that might suggest SQL injection attempts. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 which covers application layer protocol tunneling and T1566 which covers credential access through phishing or exploitation of software vulnerabilities, demonstrating the multi-faceted nature of threats targeting such audit and monitoring systems.