CVE-2011-4970 in Disk Pool Manager
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in LCG Disk Pool Manager (DPM) before 1.8.6, as used in EGI UDM, allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the (1) r_token variable in the dpm_get_pending_req_by_token, (2) dpm_get_cpr_by_fullid, (3) dpm_get_cpr_by_surl, (4) dpm_get_cpr_by_surls, (5) dpm_get_gfr_by_fullid, (6) dpm_get_gfr_by_surl, (7) dpm_get_pfr_by_fullid, (8) dpm_get_pfr_by_surl, (9) dpm_get_req_by_token, (10) dpm_insert_cpr_entry, (11) dpm_insert_gfr_entry, (12) dpm_insert_pending_entry, (13) dpm_insert_pfr_entry, (14) dpm_insert_xferreq_entry, (15) dpm_list_cpr_entry, (16) dpm_list_gfr_entry, or (17) dpm_list_pfr_entry function; the (18) surl variable in the dpm_get_cpr_by_surl function; the (19) to_surl variable in the dpm_get_cpr_by_surls function; the (20) u_token variable in the dpm_get_pending_reqs_by_u_desc, (21) dpm_get_reqs_by_u_desc, (22) dpm_get_spcmd_by_u_desc, (23) dpm_insert_pending_entry, (24) dpm_insert_spcmd_entry, or (25) dpm_insert_xferreq_entry function; the (26) s_token variable in the dpm_get_spcmd_by_token, (27) dpm_insert_cpr_entry, (28) dpm_insert_gfr_entry, (29) dpm_insert_pfr_entry, (30) dpm_insert_spcmd_entry, (31) dpm_update_cpr_entry, (32) dpm_update_gfr_entry, or (33) dpm_update_pfr_entry function; or remote administrators to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the (34) poolname variable in the dpm_get_pool_entry, (35) dpm_insert_fs_entry, (36) dpm_insert_pool_entry, (37) dpm_insert_spcmd_entry, (38) dpm_list_fs_entry, or (39) dpm_update_spcmd_entry function.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/18/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-4970 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the LCG Disk Pool Manager (DPM) software version 1.8.5 and earlier, which is integral to the EGI UDM infrastructure. This vulnerability affects multiple database functions that process user input without proper sanitization, creating pathways for remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands against the underlying database system. The flaw exists in the DPM's database interface layer where parameters are directly incorporated into SQL queries without adequate validation or escaping mechanisms. The affected functions span across various database operations including retrieval, insertion, and update procedures, indicating a systemic issue in the application's data handling approach.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through multiple attack vectors, each corresponding to specific input parameters within the affected database functions. Attackers can manipulate the r_token variable in several retrieval functions to inject malicious SQL code, while the surl parameter in dpm_get_cpr_by_surl and the to_surl parameter in dpm_get_cpr_by_surls provide additional injection points. The u_token variable in user-based request functions and s_token variable in command-related operations further extend the attack surface. Additionally, the poolname parameter in pool management functions creates opportunities for administrative-level SQL injection attacks. These injection points are particularly dangerous because they bypass standard authentication mechanisms and can be exploited by both regular users and remote administrators, depending on the specific function targeted.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, potentially allowing attackers to gain complete control over the database backend and access sensitive information stored within the DPM system. Successful exploitation could result in data theft, data manipulation, unauthorized access to user accounts, and potential privilege escalation to database administrator level. The vulnerability affects not just individual data records but entire database schemas, potentially compromising the integrity of the entire disk pool management system. Organizations relying on EGI UDM infrastructure could face significant operational disruptions, compliance violations, and potential service outages. The vulnerability's presence in functions that handle critical storage management operations means that attackers could manipulate storage allocation, modify file transfer records, or even corrupt the underlying storage pool structure.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws in software systems. The attack patterns involved demonstrate characteristics consistent with the ATT&CK framework's T1190 technique for exploiting vulnerabilities in software applications. The vulnerability's widespread nature across multiple functions indicates a fundamental flaw in input validation practices within the DPM codebase, suggesting inadequate security testing and code review processes. Organizations should immediately implement mitigation strategies including input validation, parameterized queries, and database access controls. The recommended solution involves upgrading to DPM version 1.8.6 or later, which includes proper input sanitization and parameterized query implementations. Additionally, network segmentation, database query monitoring, and regular security audits should be implemented to prevent exploitation attempts and detect any potential compromise of the system.