CVE-2025-36527 Overview
CVE-2025-36527 is a SQL injection vulnerability affecting Zohocorp ManageEngine ADAudit Plus versions below 8511. The flaw resides in the report export functionality, where untrusted input is concatenated into database queries without proper sanitization [CWE-89]. Authenticated attackers with low-privilege access can inject crafted SQL statements through the export workflow to read or modify backend database content.
ADAudit Plus is widely deployed for Active Directory change auditing, which makes the database a high-value target containing audit trails, account metadata, and configuration data. The EPSS data places this issue in the 97th percentile, indicating elevated likelihood of exploitation activity relative to other CVEs.
Critical Impact
Authenticated attackers can execute arbitrary SQL queries against the ADAudit Plus database, exposing sensitive Active Directory audit data and potentially compromising the integrity of audit records.
Affected Products
- Zohocorp ManageEngine ADAudit Plus versions below build 8511
- ManageEngine ADAudit Plus 8.5 build 8500
- ManageEngine ADAudit Plus 8.5 build 8510
Discovery Timeline
- 2025-05-23 - CVE-2025-36527 published to NVD
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-36527
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability is a classic SQL injection issue [CWE-89] in the report export feature of ManageEngine ADAudit Plus. When a user exports a report, parameters supplied through the request are incorporated into a database query without sufficient parameterization or input validation. An attacker who can authenticate to the application can manipulate these parameters to alter the structure of the underlying SQL statement.
Successful exploitation yields high confidentiality and integrity impact, with limited availability impact. The attack is performed over the network and requires low privileges, with no user interaction. Because ADAudit Plus stores Active Directory audit data, including changes to privileged groups and account activity, exploitation can expose sensitive operational intelligence about the target environment.
Root Cause
The root cause is improper neutralization of special elements used in SQL commands within the report export code path. User-controllable input is interpolated directly into dynamically constructed queries instead of being passed through parameterized statements or strict allow-list validation.
Attack Vector
An authenticated user issues an HTTP request to the report export endpoint with a crafted parameter that injects additional SQL syntax. The injected payload is executed by the backend database with the privileges of the application service account, enabling data extraction, modification of audit records, or pivoting through database functions exposed to the application user.
No public proof-of-concept exploit code is referenced in the advisory. Refer to the ManageEngine CVE-2025-36527 Advisory for vendor-specific technical detail.
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-36527
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected report export requests originating from low-privilege ADAudit Plus accounts, particularly outside of normal business hours.
- HTTP request parameters to export endpoints containing SQL meta-characters such as single quotes, UNION, SELECT, --, or stacked semicolons.
- Database error messages or anomalously large result sets logged by the ADAudit Plus application around export operations.
- Outbound connections or file writes initiated by the ADAudit Plus service account that do not match baseline behavior.
Detection Strategies
- Inspect ADAudit Plus web access logs for export URLs carrying encoded SQL syntax and unusual parameter lengths.
- Enable database-level query logging and alert on queries originating from the ADAudit Plus service account that reference system tables or use UNION-based constructs.
- Correlate authentication events with export activity to identify accounts performing high volumes of export requests inconsistent with their role.
Monitoring Recommendations
- Forward ADAudit Plus application and web server logs to a centralized SIEM for retention and correlation.
- Monitor for build versions below 8511 across the estate using software inventory tooling.
- Track changes to ADAudit Plus user roles and privileges, since the vulnerability requires authentication and any new low-privilege account becomes a viable attack precondition.
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-36527
Immediate Actions Required
- Upgrade ManageEngine ADAudit Plus to build 8511 or later as published in the vendor advisory.
- Restrict network access to the ADAudit Plus web console to administrative networks and trusted jump hosts.
- Audit existing ADAudit Plus accounts and remove or disable unused low-privilege accounts that could be leveraged for authenticated exploitation.
- Rotate credentials for the ADAudit Plus service account and any technician accounts after patching.
Patch Information
Zohocorp has released a fix in ManageEngine ADAudit Plus build 8511. Customers should apply the update by following the upgrade procedure described in the ManageEngine CVE-2025-36527 Advisory. Verify the post-upgrade build number from the web console and confirm that the report export workflow functions as expected after patching.
Workarounds
- If immediate patching is not feasible, restrict access to the report export functionality through web application firewall rules that block requests containing SQL meta-characters on export endpoints.
- Limit ADAudit Plus account creation and enforce strong authentication for all technician accounts to reduce the population of users who could exploit the flaw.
- Place the ADAudit Plus server behind a reverse proxy that enforces source IP allow-lists for administrative access.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
