CVE-2013-2323 in Nonstop Sql
Summary
by MITRE
HP SQL/MX 3.0 through 3.2 on NonStop servers, when SQL/MP Objects are used, allows remote authenticated users to bypass intended access restrictions and modify data via unspecified vectors, aka the "SQL/MP tables" issue.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/18/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-2323 affects HP SQL/MX database management system versions 3.0 through 3.2 running on NonStop servers. This issue represents a critical access control flaw that undermines the security model of the database system, specifically when SQL/MP Objects are utilized within the environment. The vulnerability enables authenticated remote attackers to circumvent intended data protection mechanisms and perform unauthorized data modification operations, fundamentally compromising the integrity and confidentiality of database contents.
The technical flaw manifests through unspecified vectors that allow attackers with valid authentication credentials to exploit weaknesses in the access control implementation. HP SQL/MX is designed to provide robust data management capabilities on NonStop platforms, which are known for their high availability and fault tolerance characteristics. However, this vulnerability creates a pathway for malicious actors to manipulate database objects through SQL/MP tables, which are integral components of the system's data handling architecture. The unspecified nature of the attack vectors suggests that multiple pathways may exist for exploitation, making the vulnerability particularly concerning from a security assessment perspective.
Operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data modification capabilities, as it represents a fundamental breakdown in the database security model. Organizations relying on HP SQL/MX for critical data operations face significant risks including data corruption, unauthorized access to sensitive information, and potential disruption of business processes that depend on data integrity. The vulnerability affects systems where SQL/MP Objects are actively used, which typically includes environments requiring complex data relationships and multi-user access scenarios. Attackers could potentially leverage this weakness to alter transaction records, modify customer data, or manipulate financial information, depending on the specific implementation and data types involved in the affected systems.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate patching of affected HP SQL/MX installations to the latest available security updates from HP. Organizations should also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of database systems to untrusted networks. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control issues, and may be related to ATT&CK technique T1078 for valid accounts and T1485 for data manipulation. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual data modification patterns, and regular security assessments should be conducted to identify potential exploitation attempts. Additionally, implementing principle of least privilege access controls and conducting regular security audits of database configurations can help reduce the attack surface and minimize potential impact from similar vulnerabilities.