CVE-2020-7927 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

A vulnerability in MongoDB Ops Manager could allow an authenticated user to escalate privileges through specially crafted API calls.

Understanding CVE-2020-7927

This CVE involves a potential privilege escalation issue in the Ops Manager API.

What is CVE-2020-7927?

Specially crafted API calls in MongoDB Ops Manager versions 4.2.0-4.2.17, 4.3.0-4.3.9, and 4.4.0-4.4.2 could enable an authenticated user with Organization Owner privilege to obtain an API key with Global Role privilege.

The Impact of CVE-2020-7927

The vulnerability has a CVSS base score of 8.1 (High severity) with significant impacts on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The attack complexity is high, and no special privileges are required for exploitation.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-7927

This section provides more in-depth technical insights into the CVE.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability, categorized as CWE-648 (Incorrect Use of Privileged APIs), allows unauthorized privilege escalation through specially crafted API calls.

Affected Systems and Versions

Affected Product: MongoDB Ops Manager
Vendor: MongoDB Inc.
Affected Versions: 4.2.0-4.2.17, 4.3.0-4.3.9, 4.4.0-4.4.2

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by an authenticated user with Organization Owner privilege through specially crafted API calls.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2020-7927 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update MongoDB Ops Manager to the latest patched version immediately.
Monitor API key usage and access for any suspicious activities.
Review and restrict privileges assigned to users to minimize the impact of potential escalations.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly review and update access control policies and user privileges.
Conduct security training for users to raise awareness about privilege escalation risks.

Patching and Updates

Apply security patches provided by MongoDB Inc. promptly to address the vulnerability and prevent exploitation.