CVE-2002-0554 in Informix Web Datablade
Summary
by MITRE
webdriver in IBM Informix Web DataBlade 4.12 allows remote attackers to bypass user access levels or read arbitrary files via a SQL injection attack in an HTTP request.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/11/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-0554 affects the webdriver component within IBM Informix Web DataBlade version 4.12, representing a critical security flaw that enables remote attackers to circumvent user access controls and potentially access sensitive data. This issue stems from insufficient input validation mechanisms within the web interface, specifically in how the system processes SQL queries submitted through HTTP requests. The flaw operates at the application layer and demonstrates a classic SQL injection vulnerability that has persisted across multiple database systems and web application frameworks since the early 2000s.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the webdriver component fails to properly sanitize or escape user-supplied input before incorporating it into SQL query construction processes. When an attacker crafts malicious HTTP requests containing specially formatted SQL injection payloads, the system processes these inputs without adequate filtering, allowing the attacker to manipulate the underlying database queries. This flaw specifically targets the authentication and authorization mechanisms that govern user access levels, enabling unauthorized individuals to bypass normal security controls and gain elevated privileges. The vulnerability can be categorized under CWE-89 which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploitation of remote services through SQL injection attacks.
Operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data access violations to encompass potential system compromise and data breaches. Attackers exploiting this flaw can not only read arbitrary files from the system but also manipulate database contents, potentially leading to complete system takeover. The remote nature of the attack means that adversaries do not require physical access or local network presence to exploit the vulnerability, making it particularly dangerous for web-facing applications. Organizations using IBM Informix Web DataBlade 4.12 may experience unauthorized data disclosure, modification of critical business information, and potential regulatory compliance violations depending on the nature of the data handled by the affected systems. The vulnerability's persistence in the 2002 timeframe indicates a significant gap in security practices that was common across many database applications of that era.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate implementation of input validation and sanitization measures, specifically employing parameterized queries or prepared statements to prevent SQL injection attacks. Organizations should implement proper access control mechanisms and conduct thorough code reviews to identify similar injection vulnerabilities within their application code. The recommended solution involves upgrading to a patched version of IBM Informix Web DataBlade or implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious SQL injection patterns. Additionally, network segmentation and monitoring should be implemented to detect unusual database access patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Security professionals should also consider implementing database activity monitoring tools that can alert on suspicious SQL query patterns and unauthorized access attempts, as this vulnerability represents a fundamental flaw in the application's data handling architecture that requires comprehensive defensive measures rather than simple patching approaches.