CVE-2013-1163 in Connected Grid Network Management System
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in the device-management implementation in Cisco Connected Grid Network Management System (CG-NMS) allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via unspecified vectors, aka Bug IDs CSCue14553 and CSCue38746.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/25/2019
The Cisco Connected Grid Network Management System represents a critical infrastructure component designed to manage and monitor connected grid networks, particularly within utility environments where operational technology systems require robust security controls. This system serves as a centralized management platform for various network devices and grid components, making it a prime target for sophisticated cyber threats. The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-1163 affects the device management implementation within this platform, specifically targeting the SQL query processing mechanisms that handle administrative and operational data requests. The affected system operates in environments where grid reliability and security are paramount, making any compromise potentially catastrophic for power grid operations and national infrastructure security.
The technical flaw manifests through multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities within the CG-NMS device management subsystem, which processes user inputs and translates them into database queries without adequate sanitization or validation. Attackers can exploit these vulnerabilities through unspecified vectors that likely involve crafted input parameters sent to the management interface, potentially through web-based administrative portals or API endpoints. The vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands against the underlying database, bypassing normal authentication and authorization mechanisms. This type of vulnerability directly maps to CWE-89 which defines SQL injection as the insertion of malicious SQL code into query statements, and represents a classic attack pattern that has been documented in numerous security assessments and threat intelligence reports. The attack surface extends beyond simple data theft to include complete database compromise, allowing attackers to manipulate grid configurations, access sensitive operational data, or even disrupt grid management functions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond traditional information security concerns into critical infrastructure risk management. A successful exploitation could enable attackers to gain unauthorized access to grid management systems, potentially allowing them to modify device configurations, disable security controls, or manipulate operational data that directly affects power grid stability. The remote nature of the attack means that threat actors do not require physical access to the network, significantly expanding the potential attack surface and making this vulnerability particularly dangerous for utility companies and grid operators. This type of compromise could enable attackers to execute tactics and techniques categorized under the MITRE ATT&CK framework within the privilege escalation and defense evasion domains, potentially leading to persistent access within the operational technology environment. The implications for grid security are severe as attackers could potentially cause cascading failures or manipulate grid operations in ways that might not be immediately detectable, creating a significant risk to public safety and infrastructure stability.
Organizations utilizing Cisco CG-NMS systems should implement immediate mitigation strategies including network segmentation to isolate management interfaces, implementing robust input validation and parameterized queries, and deploying web application firewalls to detect and block malicious SQL injection attempts. The vulnerability requires patch management attention with Cisco releasing security updates to address the specific SQL injection flaws in the device management implementation. Security monitoring should focus on database query logs and unusual administrative activities that might indicate exploitation attempts. The remediation process must include comprehensive testing to ensure that the patch does not disrupt critical grid management operations while maintaining the necessary security controls. Additionally, organizations should conduct thorough security assessments of their operational technology environments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other systems that might be vulnerable to the same class of attacks, particularly those involving database interactions and administrative interfaces that process user inputs without proper sanitization.