CVE-2011-0553 in IM Manager
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in the management console in Symantec IM Manager before 8.4.18 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/03/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-0553 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within Symantec IM Manager's management console component. This vulnerability exists in versions prior to 8.4.18 and enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands against the underlying database system. The issue stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the management interface, creating an attack surface where malicious actors can manipulate database queries through crafted input parameters. The vulnerability's impact is particularly severe because it affects the management console, which typically requires elevated privileges and provides administrative access to critical system functions. This allows attackers to potentially gain unauthorized access to sensitive data, modify system configurations, or escalate their privileges within the affected environment.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-89, which categorizes SQL injection as a weakness where untrusted data is incorporated into SQL commands without proper sanitization. The attack vector operates through unspecified input parameters within the management console interface, suggesting that multiple entry points may be susceptible to exploitation. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability by crafting malicious SQL payloads that bypass authentication mechanisms or directly manipulate database records. The flaw demonstrates poor input validation practices where user-supplied data flows directly into database queries without appropriate escaping or parameterization techniques. This type of vulnerability commonly arises from legacy code implementations that do not adhere to modern secure coding practices and fails to implement proper database abstraction layers that separate user input from SQL command construction.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-0553 extends beyond simple data theft, as it can enable comprehensive system compromise through database-level access. Remote attackers can potentially extract sensitive information including user credentials, system configurations, and confidential business data stored within the Symantec IM Manager database. The vulnerability's exploitation may lead to complete system takeover, allowing malicious actors to modify access controls, install backdoors, or establish persistent access to the affected infrastructure. Organizations relying on Symantec IM Manager for security management face significant risk of unauthorized access to their security policies, threat intelligence data, and administrative controls. The attack surface is particularly concerning for enterprise environments where the management console often serves as the primary interface for security policy enforcement and system monitoring.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-0553 primarily focus on immediate remediation through the installation of Symantec's official security patches and updates. Organizations should prioritize upgrading to Symantec IM Manager version 8.4.18 or later, which contains the necessary fixes to address the SQL injection vulnerability. Additionally, implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries within the application codebase can provide defense-in-depth measures. Network segmentation and access controls should be enforced to limit exposure of the management console to only authorized administrative users. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities within the broader system architecture. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of implementing the principle of least privilege, ensuring that database connections used by the management console operate with minimal required permissions. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and database activity monitoring solutions to detect and prevent exploitation attempts. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and following secure coding practices throughout the software development lifecycle, as outlined in various cybersecurity frameworks including those referenced in the MITRE ATT&CK framework for database-related attack techniques.