CVE-2013-3973 in Maximo Asset Management
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in IBM Maximo Asset Management 7.1 before 7.1.1.12 and 7.5 before 7.5.0.5 allows remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary SQL commands via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/23/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-3973 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within IBM Maximo Asset Management software versions 7.1 before 7.1.1.12 and 7.5 before 7.5.0.5. This security weakness enables remote authenticated attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands against the underlying database system, potentially compromising the entire asset management infrastructure. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and improper parameter handling within the application's database interaction mechanisms, creating an avenue for malicious actors to manipulate SQL queries through crafted input parameters.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the application's failure to properly sanitize or escape user-supplied input before incorporating it into SQL command structures. When authenticated users submit data through various application interfaces, the system does not adequately validate or filter the input, allowing malicious payloads to be interpreted as executable SQL code. This flaw typically manifests when user input is directly concatenated into SQL queries without proper parameterization or escaping mechanisms, making it susceptible to manipulation by attackers who understand SQL syntax and database structure. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that it affects authenticated users, meaning that an attacker must first establish legitimate credentials, though this access level still provides sufficient privileges to exploit the SQL injection vector.
Operational implications of this vulnerability extend beyond simple data compromise to include complete system infiltration and potential data exfiltration. Successful exploitation could enable attackers to access, modify, or delete sensitive asset management data including maintenance records, equipment specifications, financial information, and operational parameters. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers can exploit it from external networks without requiring physical access to the system, making it particularly dangerous for enterprise environments where Maximo Asset Management systems typically store critical business information. Organizations using affected versions face significant risk of unauthorized access to their asset management databases, potentially leading to operational disruptions, financial losses, and compliance violations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-3973 primarily focus on applying the vendor-provided security patches and updates that address the specific SQL injection vulnerabilities. IBM released patches for both affected version lines, with the 7.1.1.12 and 7.5.0.5 releases containing the necessary fixes to prevent unauthorized SQL command execution. Organizations should prioritize immediate patch deployment and implement comprehensive input validation controls to further reduce attack surface. Additional protective measures include implementing proper database access controls, monitoring database activities for suspicious query patterns, and establishing network segmentation to limit potential lateral movement. From a cybersecurity framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-89 SQL Injection, which is categorized under the Common Weakness Enumeration system, and represents a critical threat that maps to ATT&CK technique T1071.004 Application Layer Protocol: Web Protocols, as it exploits web-based application interfaces to execute malicious commands. The vulnerability also demonstrates characteristics consistent with ATT&CK tactic TA0006 Credential Access, as exploitation typically requires authenticated access but can lead to broader system compromise.