CVE-2020-27869 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor 2020 HF1 and NPM 2020.2 are affected by a vulnerability that allows remote attackers to escalate privileges by exploiting an SQL injection flaw.

Understanding CVE-2020-27869

This CVE involves a privilege escalation vulnerability in SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor.

What is CVE-2020-27869?

The vulnerability in SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor allows remote attackers to elevate privileges by exploiting an SQL injection flaw in the WriteToFile method. Authentication is required for exploitation.

The Impact of CVE-2020-27869

The vulnerability has a CVSS base score of 8.8, indicating a high severity level with significant impacts on confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected systems.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-27869

SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor is affected by a privilege escalation vulnerability due to improper validation of user-supplied input.

Vulnerability Description

The flaw arises from inadequate validation of user input before constructing SQL queries, enabling attackers to escalate privileges and reset the Admin user's password.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Network Performance Monitor
Vendor: SolarWinds
Versions: 2020 HF1, NPM: 2020.2

Exploitation Mechanism

Attack Complexity: Low
Attack Vector: Network
Privileges Required: Low
User Interaction: None
Scope: Unchanged
Vector String: CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

Mitigation and Prevention

Immediate Steps to Take:

Apply vendor-supplied patches promptly.
Monitor network traffic for any suspicious activity.
Enforce the principle of least privilege. Long-Term Security Practices:
Conduct regular security assessments and audits.
Educate users on secure coding practices.
Implement network segmentation to limit the impact of potential breaches.
Keep systems and software updated with the latest security patches.
Regularly review and update security policies and procedures.