CVE-2013-3577 in Embassy Remote Administration Server Help Desk
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in the Help Desk application in Wave EMBASSY Remote Administration Server (ERAS) allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the ct100$4MainController$TextBoxSearchValue parameter (aka the search field).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/14/2024
The CVE-2013-3577 vulnerability represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the Wave EMBASSY Remote Administration Server (ERAS) Help Desk application. This vulnerability resides in the ct100$4MainController$TextBoxSearchValue parameter, which corresponds to the search field functionality of the application. The flaw allows remote attackers to manipulate database queries through crafted input, potentially leading to unauthorized access to sensitive data and system compromise. The vulnerability affects the ERAS platform, which is designed for remote administration and system management purposes, making it particularly concerning for enterprise environments that rely on such tools for network infrastructure management.
This SQL injection vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the Help Desk application's search functionality. The application fails to properly escape or parameterize user input before incorporating it into SQL queries, creating an opportunity for attackers to inject malicious SQL code. When an attacker submits specially crafted data through the search parameter, the application processes this input without sufficient security controls, allowing the injected SQL commands to execute within the database context. This flaw directly maps to CWE-89, which categorizes SQL injection vulnerabilities as a fundamental weakness in web application security. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers do not require physical access or local credentials to leverage the flaw, making it particularly dangerous in networked environments.
The operational impact of CVE-2013-3577 extends beyond simple data theft, as it can enable attackers to gain complete control over the underlying database system. Successful exploitation could allow threat actors to extract sensitive information including user credentials, system configurations, and potentially other database contents. The vulnerability's presence in a remote administration server platform amplifies its risk, as it could provide attackers with access to critical network infrastructure management systems. Organizations using ERAS for remote administration purposes face significant exposure, as this vulnerability could be exploited to establish persistent access to their networked systems. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that ERAS is designed for administrative access, meaning any compromise could lead to elevated privileges and broader system infiltration.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-3577 should focus on implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries to prevent SQL injection attacks. Organizations should immediately apply vendor patches or updates if available, as this vulnerability was identified in 2013 and likely had remediation options. The implementation of web application firewalls and input sanitization controls can provide additional protection layers. Security teams should also conduct thorough penetration testing to identify similar vulnerabilities within the application and surrounding systems. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1190 - Exploit Public-Facing Application, highlighting the importance of securing externally accessible applications. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be implemented to detect similar weaknesses in other applications within the organization's attack surface, ensuring comprehensive protection against SQL injection threats.