CVE-2013-3033 in Tivoli Remote Control
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in the server component in IBM Tivoli Remote Control 5.1.2 before 5.1.2-TIV-TRC512-IF0015 allows remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary SQL commands via unspecified vectors.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/09/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-3033 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within IBM Tivoli Remote Control 5.1.2 server component, specifically affecting versions prior to 5.1.2-TIV-TRC512-IF0015. This vulnerability resides in the server-side processing logic where user-supplied input is not properly sanitized before being incorporated into database queries. The flaw allows authenticated remote attackers to manipulate the underlying database operations through carefully crafted input sequences that bypass normal validation mechanisms. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and improper parameter handling within the application's database interaction layer, creating an exploitable condition where malicious SQL commands can be injected and executed with the privileges of the database user account.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the improper handling of user-provided data within SQL query construction processes. When legitimate users interact with the Tivoli Remote Control server, their input is processed through database queries that should normally use parameterized statements or proper escaping mechanisms. However, the vulnerable code fails to adequately sanitize or escape user input before incorporating it into dynamic SQL commands. This creates an environment where an authenticated attacker can manipulate the SQL execution flow by injecting malicious SQL syntax into input fields. The unspecified vectors suggest that multiple entry points within the server component could be exploited, potentially including user authentication inputs, configuration parameters, or any data processing functions that interface with the database backend.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to organizations relying on IBM Tivoli Remote Control for remote system management and monitoring. An authenticated attacker with access to the system can potentially execute arbitrary SQL commands against the database, leading to data exfiltration, data manipulation, or even complete database compromise. The attack requires only authenticated access, which means that the vulnerability could be exploited by malicious insiders or compromised legitimate users. The potential for privilege escalation exists if the database user account has elevated permissions, potentially allowing attackers to gain access to sensitive system information, modify configuration data, or corrupt critical operational databases. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of the entire remote control infrastructure, making it particularly dangerous for enterprise environments where system monitoring and management are critical.
Organizations should immediately implement the vendor-provided security patch version 5.1.2-TIV-TRC512-IF0015 to remediate this vulnerability. The patch addresses the root cause by implementing proper input validation and parameterized query execution mechanisms that prevent SQL injection attacks. Additionally, network segmentation and access controls should be enforced to limit the attack surface, ensuring that only authorized users can access the Tivoli Remote Control server components. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual database access patterns or query execution that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-89 which classifies SQL injection as a fundamental weakness in application security, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol usage. Organizations should also conduct thorough security assessments of their Tivoli Remote Control implementations to identify any other potential vulnerabilities in the broader system architecture and ensure that proper input validation mechanisms are in place across all database interaction points.