CVE-2006-3430 in ZENworks
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in checkprofile.asp in (1) PatchLink Update Server (PLUS) before 6.1 P1 and 6.2.x before 6.2 SR1 P1 and (2) Novell ZENworks 6.2 SR1 and earlier, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the agentid parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/23/2019
This vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw in the patchlink update server and novell zenworks management platforms that has significant implications for enterprise security infrastructure. The vulnerability specifically affects checkprofile.asp components within these systems, where the agentid parameter fails to properly validate or sanitize user input before incorporating it into sql queries. This allows malicious actors to inject arbitrary sql commands through crafted agentid values, potentially gaining unauthorized access to underlying database systems. The affected versions include patchlink update server versions prior to 6.1 P1 and 6.2.x versions before 6.2 SR1 P1, as well as novell zenworks 6.2 SR1 and earlier releases, indicating this vulnerability spans multiple generations of these management solutions.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows the classic sql injection attack pattern where attacker-controlled input bypasses input validation mechanisms and gets executed within the database context. When the agentid parameter is processed by checkprofile.asp, the application constructs sql queries without proper parameterization or input sanitization, creating a direct path for sql command injection. This flaw maps directly to common weakness enumeration cwe-89, which categorizes sql injection vulnerabilities as a fundamental weakness in software input validation and data handling practices. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to extract sensitive information from databases, modify or delete records, or potentially escalate privileges within the affected systems. The remote nature of this attack means that adversaries do not require physical access to the systems, making it particularly dangerous for enterprise environments where these management platforms are deployed.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data compromise to potentially enable complete system takeover of patch management and configuration management infrastructure. Organizations relying on patchlink update server and novell zenworks for their software update and system management operations face significant risk when these systems are compromised. The vulnerability could allow attackers to manipulate patch deployment schedules, modify system configurations, or gain access to sensitive management data including user credentials, system inventories, and configuration details. This represents a critical attack surface for adversaries seeking to establish persistent access within enterprise networks, particularly since these platforms often serve as central management points for distributed computing environments. The vulnerability also aligns with attack technique t1071.004 from the attack tactics and techniques framework, which covers application layer protocol manipulation.
Organizations should prioritize immediate remediation of this vulnerability through official vendor patches and updates, as the affected versions represent legacy systems that may not receive continued support. The recommended mitigation strategy includes implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries in all applications handling user-supplied data, along with network segmentation to limit access to critical management systems. Database access controls should be reviewed and strengthened, including implementing least privilege principles for database accounts used by management applications. Regular security assessments should be conducted to identify similar input validation flaws in other components of the patch management infrastructure, as this vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper sql query construction in enterprise systems. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts targeting similar sql injection vulnerabilities in their environments.