CVE-2012-2998 in Control Manager
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in the ad hoc query module in Trend Micro Control Manager (TMCM) before 5.5.0.1823 and 6.0 before 6.0.0.1449 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/11/2024
The CVE-2012-2998 vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw within Trend Micro Control Manager's ad hoc query module, affecting versions prior to 5.5.0.1823 and 6.0.0.1449. This vulnerability resides in the database interaction layer of the security management platform, where user inputs intended for query generation are not properly sanitized or validated before being incorporated into sql command strings. The flaw enables remote attackers to manipulate database operations through carefully crafted input parameters that bypass normal security controls, potentially leading to unauthorized data access, modification, or deletion. The vulnerability's impact is particularly severe given that Trend Micro Control Manager serves as a centralized security management solution for enterprise environments, making it a prime target for attackers seeking persistent access to critical infrastructure.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the ad hoc query processing functionality. When users submit queries through the web interface, the system fails to properly escape or parameterize user-supplied data before incorporating it into backend sql statements. This allows malicious actors to inject sql payloads that can manipulate the database engine directly, potentially executing commands with elevated privileges. The unspecified vectors suggest that multiple input points within the query module could be exploited, making the attack surface broader than initially apparent. This type of vulnerability maps directly to CWE-89 sql injection, which is classified as a high-severity weakness in the CWE database and frequently appears in the OWASP top ten security risks. The vulnerability's classification aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 Application Layer Protocol: Web Protocols, as it exploits web-based interfaces to manipulate backend database operations.
The operational impact of CVE-2012-2998 extends far beyond simple data compromise, as it provides attackers with potential access to sensitive security information managed by the Trend Micro Control Manager. Attackers could extract configuration data, user credentials, security policies, and other confidential information stored within the database. The vulnerability could also enable attackers to modify or delete critical security data, potentially weakening the overall security posture of the affected organization. Given that TMCM is typically deployed in enterprise environments with extensive security infrastructure, successful exploitation could provide attackers with a foothold for further lateral movement within the network. The remote nature of the vulnerability means that attackers do not require physical access or network proximity to exploit the flaw, making it particularly dangerous for organizations with distributed security management systems. Organizations may face regulatory compliance issues and potential legal consequences if sensitive data is compromised through this vulnerability, as it represents a significant failure in the security controls protecting critical infrastructure.
Organizations affected by CVE-2012-2998 should immediately implement the vendor-provided patches and updates for Trend Micro Control Manager versions 5.5.0.1823 and 6.0.0.1449. Additionally, network segmentation and access controls should be strengthened around the affected systems to limit potential attack vectors. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual database activity patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Regular vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify similar input validation weaknesses in other systems within the organization's infrastructure. The remediation process should include thorough testing of the patched systems to ensure that the sql injection protections are properly implemented and functioning as intended. Security teams should also consider implementing database activity monitoring solutions that can detect and alert on suspicious sql command patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts. Organizations should review their incident response procedures to ensure readiness for potential exploitation of this vulnerability, as the attack surface and potential impact make it a high-priority concern for enterprise security teams.