CVE-2012-4178 in Web Gateway
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in spywall/includes/deptUploads_data.php in Symantec Web Gateway 5.0.3.18 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the groupid parameter.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/26/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-4178 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within Symantec Web Gateway version 5.0.3.18, specifically affecting the spywall/includes/deptUploads_data.php component. This issue resides in the web application's handling of user-supplied input within the groupid parameter, creating a pathway for malicious actors to manipulate database queries through crafted HTTP requests. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic improper input validation flaw that enables attackers to bypass authentication mechanisms and execute unauthorized database operations. The affected component operates within the Symantec Web Gateway's security framework, which is designed to protect enterprise networks from web-based threats, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for organizations relying on this protection layer.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker submits a malicious value through the groupid parameter in the deptUploads_data.php script. This input is then directly incorporated into SQL queries without proper sanitization or parameterization, allowing attackers to inject malicious SQL code that executes within the database context. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-89, which categorizes SQL injection as a fundamental weakness in application input validation. Attackers can leverage this flaw to extract sensitive data from the database, modify existing records, or even gain administrative access to the underlying database system. The attack vector requires remote access and does not necessitate prior authentication, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited from outside the network perimeter.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data compromise, as it fundamentally undermines the security posture of organizations using Symantec Web Gateway 5.0.3.18. Successful exploitation can lead to complete database compromise, allowing attackers to access sensitive corporate information, user credentials, and potentially escalate privileges to gain deeper system access. The vulnerability affects the gateway's ability to properly filter and validate incoming requests, which directly violates security principles outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and the NIST Cybersecurity Framework. Organizations may experience unauthorized data access, potential regulatory compliance violations, and service disruption as attackers exploit the system. The attack can be automated using common penetration testing tools and exploits, making it accessible to threat actors with varying skill levels.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-4178 should prioritize immediate patching of the affected Symantec Web Gateway version, as this represents the most effective defense against exploitation. Organizations should implement proper input validation and parameterized queries throughout their applications to prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in other components. Network segmentation and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of protection by monitoring for suspicious database access patterns and unusual query behaviors. Security teams should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify other potential SQL injection points within their infrastructure, as this vulnerability type often appears in web applications due to historical coding practices. The implementation of web application firewalls and database activity monitoring solutions can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts, while regular security training for developers should emphasize secure coding practices to prevent future occurrences of this class of vulnerability.