CVE-2020-11016
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows authenticated attackers to execute arbitrary code on IntelMQ Manager servers by exploiting improper input handling in the Monitor component's Inspect-tool. Affected systems are IntelMQ Manager installations from version 1.1.0 through 2.1.0. Attackers with access to the management interface can achieve remote code execution with webserver privileges.
💻 Affected Systems
- IntelMQ Manager
📦 What is this software?
Intelmq Manager by Intelmq Manager Project
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Full system compromise leading to data exfiltration, lateral movement, and persistent backdoor installation.
Likely Case
Unauthorized code execution allowing attacker to manipulate IntelMQ data flows, access sensitive security information, and pivot to other systems.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if proper network segmentation and access controls prevent unauthorized access to the management interface.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires authenticated access to the IntelMQ Manager interface. The vulnerability is in user-controlled input handling, making exploitation straightforward for authenticated attackers.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 2.1.1
Vendor Advisory: https://github.com/certtools/intelmq-manager/security/advisories/GHSA-rrhh-rcgp-q2m2
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Backup current configuration and data. 2. Stop IntelMQ Manager service. 3. Update to version 2.1.1 using package manager or manual installation. 4. Restart IntelMQ Manager service. 5. Verify functionality.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict Access to IntelMQ Manager
linuxLimit network access to IntelMQ Manager interface to trusted IP addresses only.
# Example iptables rule: iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport [INTELMQ_PORT] -s [TRUSTED_IP] -j ACCEPT
# Then: iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport [INTELMQ_PORT] -j DROP
Disable Monitor Component
allTemporarily disable the vulnerable Monitor component if not essential.
# Edit IntelMQ Manager configuration to disable Monitor component
# Configuration file typically at /etc/intelmq-manager/config.json
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict network access controls to limit who can reach the IntelMQ Manager interface.
- Enforce strong authentication and consider implementing multi-factor authentication for management access.
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check IntelMQ Manager version. If version is between 1.1.0 and 2.1.0 inclusive, the system is vulnerable.Check Version:
intelmq-manager --version or check package manager (apt list --installed | grep intelmq-manager or rpm -qa | grep intelmq-manager)Verify Fix Applied:
Verify IntelMQ Manager version is 2.1.1 or higher. Test the Monitor component's Inspect-tool functionality.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual activity in IntelMQ Manager logs, especially in Monitor component
- Multiple failed authentication attempts followed by successful login
- Suspicious commands or payloads in web server access logs
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound connections from IntelMQ Manager server
- Traffic to unexpected ports or IP addresses
SIEM Query:
source="intelmq-manager" AND (event="monitor_inspect" OR event="send_message") AND payload CONTAINS suspicious_pattern🔗 References
- https://github.com/certtools/intelmq-manager/commit/b9a2ac43a4f99d764b827108f6a99dc4a9faa013
- https://github.com/certtools/intelmq-manager/releases/tag/2.1.1
- https://github.com/certtools/intelmq-manager/security/advisories/GHSA-rrhh-rcgp-q2m2
- https://lists.cert.at/pipermail/intelmq-users/2020-April/000161.html
- https://github.com/certtools/intelmq-manager/commit/b9a2ac43a4f99d764b827108f6a99dc4a9faa013
- https://github.com/certtools/intelmq-manager/releases/tag/2.1.1
- https://github.com/certtools/intelmq-manager/security/advisories/GHSA-rrhh-rcgp-q2m2
- https://lists.cert.at/pipermail/intelmq-users/2020-April/000161.html
