CVE-2024-48878 Overview
CVE-2024-48878 is a SQL Injection vulnerability [CWE-89] affecting Zohocorp ManageEngine ADManager Plus versions 7241 and prior. The flaw exists in the Archived Audit Report feature and allows an authenticated remote attacker to inject arbitrary SQL statements into backend database queries. Successful exploitation impacts confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the underlying database.
ADManager Plus is a widely deployed Active Directory management and reporting tool, making the affected component attractive for post-authentication attackers targeting identity infrastructure.
Critical Impact
Authenticated attackers can execute arbitrary SQL against the ADManager Plus database, potentially exposing Active Directory audit data and enabling further compromise of identity infrastructure.
Affected Products
- Zohocorp ManageEngine ADManager Plus versions 7241 and prior
- ADManager Plus 7.2 builds 7200 through 7241
- All installations exposing the Archived Audit Report feature
Discovery Timeline
- 2024-11-04 - CVE-2024-48878 published to NVD
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2024-48878
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability is a SQL Injection weakness in the Archived Audit Report functionality of ManageEngine ADManager Plus. User-controlled input passed to the archived report component reaches SQL query construction without adequate sanitization or parameterization. An authenticated attacker can craft malicious input that alters query logic executed by the application's database engine.
Because ADManager Plus stores Active Directory audit records, an attacker who manipulates queries can read arbitrary rows, modify audit data, or trigger destructive statements. The vulnerability requires low-privileged authentication and can be exploited over the network without user interaction.
Root Cause
The root cause is improper neutralization of special elements used in a SQL command [CWE-89]. The Archived Audit Report handler concatenates untrusted parameters into SQL queries rather than using parameterized statements or a strict allow-list. This design flaw permits query structure modification through crafted input values.
Attack Vector
Exploitation occurs over the network against an authenticated ADManager Plus session. The attacker submits crafted parameters to the Archived Audit Report endpoint, and the injected SQL is executed by the backend database. No user interaction is required beyond the attacker's own authenticated request. Attackers with any valid low-privilege account on the appliance can attempt exploitation.
No public proof-of-concept has been published for CVE-2024-48878. Refer to the ManageEngine Security Advisory for vendor-provided technical details.
Detection Methods for CVE-2024-48878
Indicators of Compromise
- Unusual SQL syntax such as UNION, SLEEP, --, or stacked queries appearing in ADManager Plus HTTP request logs targeting Archived Audit Report URLs
- Unexpected outbound database errors or long-running queries originating from the ADManager Plus service account
- Access to archived audit report endpoints from user accounts that do not normally interact with reporting features
- New or modified rows in the ADManager Plus audit tables with unexpected timestamps or user attributions
Detection Strategies
- Enable and review ADManager Plus application access logs for injection payload patterns targeting archived report parameters
- Deploy a Web Application Firewall (WAF) with SQL injection signatures in front of the ADManager Plus web interface
- Correlate authentication events with subsequent report access to identify low-privilege accounts probing report endpoints
- Baseline normal report query durations and alert on anomalous execution times indicative of time-based SQL injection
Monitoring Recommendations
- Forward ADManager Plus web server, application, and database logs to a centralized SIEM for correlation
- Monitor the ADManager Plus database service for unexpected schema reads such as information_schema enumeration
- Alert on any privilege changes in Active Directory that follow suspicious ADManager Plus session activity
- Track version and build strings across ADManager Plus instances to identify hosts still running 7241 or earlier
How to Mitigate CVE-2024-48878
Immediate Actions Required
- Upgrade ADManager Plus to a fixed build released after 7241 as instructed in the vendor advisory
- Restrict network access to the ADManager Plus web console to trusted administrative networks only
- Rotate credentials for all ADManager Plus users and the service account used to connect to Active Directory
- Audit recent access to the Archived Audit Report feature for indicators of exploitation
Patch Information
Zohocorp has released a fixed build addressing CVE-2024-48878. Administrators should follow the upgrade instructions in the ManageEngine Security Advisory and apply the update to all ADManager Plus instances running build 7241 or earlier.
Workarounds
- Place the ADManager Plus web interface behind a WAF configured to block SQL injection payloads until patching is complete
- Limit ADManager Plus user accounts to the minimum privileges required and disable unused reporting features
- Enforce multi-factor authentication on all ADManager Plus accounts to raise the bar for pre-exploitation access
- Isolate the ADManager Plus host on a management VLAN with strict egress filtering to contain post-exploitation activity
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
