CVE-2021-32582 – This is a blind SQL injection vulnerability in ... (How to Fix)

Q: What is the severity of CVE-2021-32582?

CVE-2021-32582 has a CVSS score of 7.5 (HIGH). This is a blind SQL injection vulnerability in ConnectWise Automate's core agent inventory communication. Attackers can exploit it to extract sensitive database information, including administrative credentials, by sending crafted monitor status responses. Organizations using ConnectWise Automate versions before 2021.5 are affected.

📋 TL;DR

This is a blind SQL injection vulnerability in ConnectWise Automate's core agent inventory communication. Attackers can exploit it to extract sensitive database information, including administrative credentials, by sending crafted monitor status responses. Organizations using ConnectWise Automate versions before 2021.5 are affected.

💻 Affected Systems

Products:

ConnectWise Automate

Versions: All versions before 2021.5

Operating Systems: Windows Server (primary deployment)

Default Config Vulnerable: ⚠️ Yes

Notes: Affects the core agent inventory communication mechanism which is enabled by default.

📦 What is this software?

Connectwise Automate by Connectwise

View all CVEs affecting Connectwise Automate →

⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact

🔴

Worst Case

Full database compromise leading to administrative credential theft, lateral movement within the network, and complete system takeover.

🟠

Likely Case

Extraction of sensitive database information including credentials, configuration data, and client information.

🟢

If Mitigated

Limited information disclosure if proper input validation and WAF rules are in place.

🌐 Internet-Facing: HIGH - The vulnerability affects agent communication which often occurs over internet-facing interfaces.

🏢 Internal Only: HIGH - Even internally, the vulnerability can be exploited by compromised agents or malicious insiders.

🎯 Exploit Status

Public PoC: ✅ No

Weaponized: LIKELY

Unauthenticated Exploit: ⚠️ Yes

Complexity: MEDIUM

Blind SQL injection requires more sophisticated exploitation but is well-documented in security research.

🛠️ Fix & Mitigation

✅ Official Fix

Patch Version: 2021.5 or later

Vendor Advisory: https://home.connectwise.com/securityBulletin/609a9dd75cb8450001e85369

Restart Required: Yes

Instructions:

1. Backup your Automate database and configuration. 2. Download ConnectWise Automate 2021.5 or later from the ConnectWise portal. 3. Run the installer on your Automate server. 4. Follow the upgrade wizard instructions. 5. Restart the Automate services after installation completes.

🔧 Temporary Workarounds

Network Segmentation

all

Restrict network access to Automate server from untrusted networks and implement strict firewall rules.

Web Application Firewall

all

Deploy WAF with SQL injection protection rules to block malicious payloads.

🧯 If You Can't Patch

Implement strict network segmentation to isolate Automate server from internet and untrusted networks
Deploy a web application firewall with SQL injection detection and prevention rules

🔍 How to Verify

Check if Vulnerable:

Check the Automate version in the web interface under Help > About or review the installed version in Programs and Features.

Check Version:

In Automate web interface: Help > About, or on Windows: wmic product where name="ConnectWise Automate" get version

Verify Fix Applied:

Verify the version shows 2021.5 or higher and test agent communication functionality.

📡 Detection & Monitoring

Log Indicators:

Unusual SQL queries in database logs
Multiple failed monitor status responses
Suspicious agent communication patterns

Network Indicators:

Unusual outbound database connections from Automate server
SQL error messages in network traffic
Patterns of crafted HTTP/S requests to agent endpoints

SIEM Query:

source="automate_logs" AND (message="*SQL*" OR message="*injection*" OR message="*monitor status*" AND status="failed")

📊 Metadata

CVE ID: CVE-2021-32582

CVSS v3 Score: 7.5 (HIGH)

CVSS Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N

CWE: CWE-89

Published: June 17, 2021

Last Updated: November 21, 2024

🔗 References

https://home.connectwise.com/securityBulletin/609a9dd75cb8450001e85369 Permissions Required,Vendor Advisory
https://www.connectwise.com/company/trust/security-bulletins Vendor Advisory
https://www.connectwise.com/platform/unified-management/automate Product
https://home.connectwise.com/securityBulletin/609a9dd75cb8450001e85369 Permissions Required,Vendor Advisory
https://www.connectwise.com/company/trust/security-bulletins Vendor Advisory
https://www.connectwise.com/platform/unified-management/automate Product

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🔗 Related Vulnerabilities

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