CVE-2012-0199 in Tivoli Provisioning Manager Express for Software Distribution
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in IBM Tivoli Provisioning Manager Express for Software Distribution 4.1.1 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via (1) a SOAP message to the Printer.getPrinterAgentKey function in the SoapServlet servlet, (2) the User.updateUserValue function in the register.do servlet, (3) the User.isExistingUser function in the logon.do servlet, (4) the Asset.getHWKey function in the CallHomeExec servlet, (5) the Asset.getMimeType function in the getAttachment (aka GetAttachmentServlet) servlet, (6) the addAsset.do servlet, or (7) a crafted EG2 file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/30/2021
The vulnerability CVE-2012-0199 represents a critical SQL injection flaw affecting IBM Tivoli Provisioning Manager Express for Software Distribution version 4.1.1. This vulnerability exposes multiple attack vectors within the application's web services and servlet implementations, creating a significant risk for remote attackers who can execute arbitrary SQL commands against the underlying database. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms within various functions that process user-supplied data, particularly in SOAP message handling and direct database queries. The affected components include core servlets such as SoapServlet, register.do, logon.do, CallHomeExec, and GetAttachmentServlet, all of which handle user input without proper parameterized query construction or input filtering. These vulnerabilities collectively represent a serious weakness in the application's data validation architecture and demonstrate poor security practices in handling external inputs. The attack surface is particularly broad as it encompasses both web-based interfaces and file-based input processing through EG2 file handling, allowing attackers to leverage multiple entry points to compromise the system.
The technical implementation of these SQL injection vulnerabilities can be classified under CWE-89 which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws in software applications. The exploitation occurs when user-supplied parameters are directly concatenated into SQL queries without proper sanitization or parameterization. Attackers can manipulate SOAP requests to the Printer.getPrinterAgentKey function, manipulate HTTP parameters in the register.do servlet, or craft malicious inputs to the logon.do servlet to inject malicious SQL payloads. The Asset.getHWKey and Asset.getMimeType functions in the CallHomeExec and GetAttachmentServlet components respectively provide additional attack vectors where database queries are constructed using user-provided values without proper validation. The addAsset.do servlet presents another potential exploitation point where direct database insertion operations lack adequate input filtering. The most concerning aspect is the EG2 file handling mechanism which allows attackers to inject malicious payloads through file uploads, potentially bypassing traditional network-based security controls. These vulnerabilities are particularly dangerous because they enable attackers to perform unauthorized database operations including data extraction, modification, or deletion, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
The operational impact of CVE-2012-0199 extends far beyond simple data theft, as successful exploitation can result in complete system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive corporate data. Remote attackers can leverage these vulnerabilities to escalate privileges, extract confidential information from the database, modify or delete critical system data, and potentially establish persistent backdoors within the provisioning environment. The vulnerability affects the core functionality of software distribution management, which means attackers could disrupt business operations by corrupting software deployment processes or manipulating distribution policies. Organizations using IBM Tivoli Provisioning Manager Express for Software Distribution may experience significant security breaches, compliance violations, and operational disruptions. The attack vectors span across different application layers including web services, servlet-based processing, and file handling mechanisms, making comprehensive protection challenging. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal technical expertise and can be automated, increasing the risk for organizations with inadequate security monitoring and patch management processes. The impact is particularly severe in enterprise environments where software distribution systems manage critical infrastructure deployments and contain sensitive configuration data.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-0199 should focus on immediate patch application from IBM, as the vendor has released security updates addressing these vulnerabilities. Organizations must implement comprehensive input validation and sanitization across all affected servlets and web services, ensuring that all user-supplied data undergoes proper parameterized query construction before database interaction. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit exposure of vulnerable components, particularly the SOAP services and servlet endpoints. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual patterns in database queries and web service requests that may indicate exploitation attempts. The implementation of web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can help identify and block malicious payloads targeting these specific functions. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify additional vulnerabilities in the application architecture. Organizations should also consider implementing database activity monitoring solutions to detect unauthorized database access patterns. The remediation process must include thorough testing of patched components to ensure that security updates do not introduce compatibility issues with existing provisioning workflows. Additionally, security awareness training for administrators and developers should emphasize secure coding practices to prevent similar vulnerabilities in future development cycles. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 which describes exploitation of vulnerabilities in web applications, and T1071.004 which covers application layer protocol usage including SOAP web services.