CVE-2020-7146
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a remote code execution vulnerability in HPE Intelligent Management Center (iMC) where attackers can inject malicious expressions into the devgroupselect component. Successful exploitation allows unauthenticated attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. Organizations running iMC PLAT versions prior to 7.3 (E0705P07) are affected.
💻 Affected Systems
- HPE Intelligent Management Center (iMC)
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete system compromise allowing attackers to execute arbitrary commands with highest privileges, potentially leading to data theft, lateral movement, and persistent backdoors.
Likely Case
Remote code execution leading to system compromise, credential harvesting, and installation of malware or ransomware.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if proper network segmentation and access controls prevent exploitation attempts.
🎯 Exploit Status
The vulnerability requires no authentication and has a high CVSS score, making it attractive for exploitation.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: iMC PLAT 7.3 (E0705P07) or later
Vendor Advisory: https://support.hpe.com/hpsc/doc/public/display?docLocale=en_US&docId=emr_na-hpesbnw04036en_us
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Download the patch from HPE support portal. 2. Backup current iMC installation. 3. Apply the patch following HPE documentation. 4. Restart iMC services. 5. Verify successful update.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Network Access Restriction
linuxRestrict network access to iMC management interface to trusted IP addresses only
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport [iMC_PORT] -s [TRUSTED_IP] -j ACCEPT
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport [iMC_PORT] -j DROP
Windows Firewall Rule
windowsCreate Windows firewall rule to restrict iMC port access
New-NetFirewallRule -DisplayName "Restrict iMC Access" -Direction Inbound -LocalPort [iMC_PORT] -Protocol TCP -Action Allow -RemoteAddress [TRUSTED_IP]
New-NetFirewallRule -DisplayName "Block iMC Access" -Direction Inbound -LocalPort [iMC_PORT] -Protocol TCP -Action Block
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Isolate affected systems in a separate network segment with strict access controls
- Implement web application firewall (WAF) rules to block expression language injection patterns
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check iMC version via web interface or configuration files. Versions prior to PLAT 7.3 (E0705P07) are vulnerable.Check Version:
Check iMC web interface at https://[iMC_HOST]:[PORT]/imc/login.jsf or examine installation directory version filesVerify Fix Applied:
Verify iMC version shows PLAT 7.3 (E0705P07) or later in administration interface.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual POST requests to devgroupselect endpoints
- Expression language patterns in request logs
- Unexpected process execution from iMC service account
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound connections from iMC server
- Traffic to known malicious IPs from iMC host
- Exploit kit traffic patterns
SIEM Query:
source="iMC_logs" AND (uri="*devgroupselect*" AND (method="POST" OR method="PUT")) AND (payload="*${*" OR payload="*#{" OR payload="*%{*")