CVE-2007-5090 in SQL Server
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in IBM Rational ClearQuest (CQ), when a Microsoft SQL Server or an IBM DB2 database is used, allows attackers to corrupt data via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/30/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-5090 represents a critical data integrity issue within IBM Rational ClearQuest software when integrated with Microsoft SQL Server or IBM DB2 database systems. This unspecified vulnerability creates a potential pathway for malicious actors to deliberately corrupt data within the ClearQuest environment, which serves as a comprehensive requirements management and issue tracking system widely utilized in software development and quality assurance processes. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple data loss, as it fundamentally compromises the reliability and trustworthiness of the issue tracking and requirements management data that organizations depend upon for critical software development decisions.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and data handling mechanisms within the ClearQuest application when interfacing with database systems. Attackers can exploit this weakness through unspecified vectors that likely involve manipulation of database inputs or direct database interactions that bypass normal application validation controls. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-119, which addresses weaknesses in data handling and memory management, and may also relate to CWE-770, concerning resource management issues that could allow for data corruption through improper handling of database connections or transactions. The vulnerability's classification as unspecified suggests that the exact attack vectors were not fully detailed in the initial disclosure, but the potential for data corruption indicates serious flaws in the application's database interaction protocols.
The operational impact of CVE-2007-5090 is particularly severe for organizations relying on ClearQuest for mission-critical requirements management and issue tracking. Data corruption within such systems can lead to compromised software development processes, incorrect requirement specifications, and potentially catastrophic project failures. When ClearQuest integrates with enterprise database systems, the vulnerability could allow attackers to manipulate issue tracking data, requirement specifications, or test case results, directly affecting software quality assurance processes. This vulnerability particularly threatens organizations in regulated industries where audit trails and data integrity are paramount, as corrupted data may violate compliance requirements and result in significant regulatory penalties.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing comprehensive database access controls and monitoring systems to detect unauthorized data modifications. Organizations should deploy database activity monitoring solutions that can identify suspicious patterns in database interactions and implement strict access controls for ClearQuest database connections. The implementation of proper input validation and parameterized queries within ClearQuest's database interfaces would help prevent exploitation of this vulnerability. Additionally, regular security assessments and penetration testing of the ClearQuest environment, combined with database audit logging and continuous monitoring, would provide early detection capabilities. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and firewall rules to limit direct database access from potentially compromised systems, following principles outlined in the ATT&CK framework's data manipulation techniques that target database systems and application interfaces.