CVE-2020-25251
📋 TL;DR
CVE-2020-25251 is an authentication bypass vulnerability in Hyland OnBase where client-side authentication is used for critical administrative functions. This allows attackers to add users or retrieve sensitive information without proper authentication. Affected versions include OnBase 16.0.2.83 and below, 17.0.2.109 and below, 18.0.0.37 and below, 19.8.16.1000 and below, and 20.3.10.1000 and below.
💻 Affected Systems
- Hyland OnBase
📦 What is this software?
Onbase by Hyland
Onbase by Hyland
Onbase by Hyland
Onbase by Hyland
Onbase by Hyland
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete system compromise where attackers can create administrative accounts, access all sensitive data, and potentially execute arbitrary code on affected systems.
Likely Case
Unauthorized access to sensitive information and creation of backdoor accounts leading to data exfiltration and persistent access.
If Mitigated
Limited impact with proper network segmentation and authentication controls, though vulnerability remains exploitable by authenticated users.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires network access to the OnBase server but no authentication. The vulnerability is well-documented in public disclosures.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Versions above those listed as affected - contact Hyland for specific patched versions
Vendor Advisory: https://www.hyland.com/en/security-advisories
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Contact Hyland support for appropriate patches. 2. Apply patches to all affected OnBase servers. 3. Restart OnBase services. 4. Verify authentication now requires server-side validation.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Network Segmentation
allRestrict network access to OnBase servers to only trusted administrative networks
Authentication Proxy
allImplement a reverse proxy with strong authentication in front of OnBase
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict network access controls to limit who can reach OnBase servers
- Enable detailed logging and monitoring for unauthorized authentication attempts and user creation
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check OnBase version via administration console or registry keys. If version matches affected ranges, system is vulnerable.Check Version:
Check via OnBase Administration Console or Windows Registry: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Hyland Software\OnBase\VersionVerify Fix Applied:
Test that critical functions (user creation, sensitive data access) now require proper server-side authentication and cannot be bypassed.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unauthorized user creation events
- Authentication bypass attempts in application logs
- Unusual administrative activity from non-admin accounts
Network Indicators:
- Unusual authentication requests to OnBase endpoints
- Traffic patterns indicating user enumeration or data exfiltration
SIEM Query:
source="onbase" AND (event_type="user_creation" OR auth_result="bypass")