CVE-2020-28050

Zoho ManageEngine Desktop Central before build 10.0.647 allows a single authentication secret from multiple agents to communicate with the server

published March 5, 2021

CVSS
—
EPSS
5%
Percentile
92.4
In the wild
Unconfirmed
What it is

⚠️ One underestimated flaw could let multiple agents masquerade as the same server — it’s like letting the same secret passcode unlock every door in a building! 🔐 Picture a hotel where all room keys share the same code; an unwelcome guest could stroll into any room without a second thought. This is what’s happening in Zoho ManageEngine Desktop Central before build 10.0.647 — one authentication secret allows all agents to talk to the server without proper checks. An attacker could exploit this weakness to impersonate other agents and gain unauthorized access to sensitive data or even control of the server. While this flaw isn't currently exploited, the implications of having a shared secret are alarming, as it opens the door to potential breaches.

Put simply

Picture a hotel where all room keys share the same code; an unwelcome guest could stroll into any room without a second thought. This is what’s happening in Zoho ManageEngine Desktop Central before build 10.0.647 — one authentication secret allows all agents to talk to the server without proper checks. This vulnerability stems from the fact that a single authentication secret can be used by multiple agents to communicate with the server, which compromises the integrity of authentication processes.

What to do

An attacker could exploit this weakness to impersonate other agents and gain unauthorized access to sensitive data or even control of the server. While this flaw isn't currently exploited, the implications of having a shared secret are alarming, as it opens the door to potential breaches. To protect your setup, upgrade to build 10.0.647 or later immediately. Consider reviewing your authentication practices to ensure that unique secrets are assigned to each agent for better security. You've got this! Take these steps to lock down your systems and keep those doors closed! 🛡️

The record
Technical detail
CVSS
Not scored
CVSS v4.0
Not supplied
EPSS
0.05126 · 92.4th percentile
Published
2021-03-05T16:36Z
EPSS history
Timeline
  • 05 MAR 16:36Z
    Zoho ManageEngine Desktop Central before build 10.0.647 allows a single authentication secret from multiple agents to communicate with the server
    cvelistv5