CVE-2013-4461 in Enterprise MRG
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in the web interface for cumin in Red Hat Enterprise MRG Grid 2.4 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via vectors related to the "filtering table operator."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/18/2022
The CVE-2013-4461 vulnerability represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the web interface of Red Hat Enterprise MRG Grid 2.4's cumin component. This vulnerability specifically targets the filtering table operator functionality, which serves as a gateway for users to interact with database query interfaces through web-based forms. The flaw enables remote attackers to manipulate database queries by injecting malicious SQL code through the filtering mechanisms that are designed to help users narrow down database results. The cumin web interface acts as a management portal for the MRG Grid system, which is used for real-time messaging and grid computing environments, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for enterprise deployments that rely on secure data processing.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when user input provided through the filtering table operator is not properly sanitized or escaped before being incorporated into SQL query construction. Attackers can craft malicious input that alters the intended SQL query structure, potentially allowing them to execute arbitrary database commands with the privileges of the database user account under which the cumin application operates. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws where untrusted data is directly incorporated into SQL commands without proper validation or escaping mechanisms. The attack vector leverages the web interface's lack of input validation controls, making it accessible to remote attackers without requiring local system access or authentication credentials.
The operational impact of CVE-2013-4461 extends beyond simple data extraction, as successful exploitation could lead to complete database compromise, data manipulation, or unauthorized access to sensitive information within the MRG Grid environment. Organizations utilizing this system for mission-critical applications, particularly those involving financial data, personal information, or operational controls, face significant risks when this vulnerability remains unpatched. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers can potentially compromise systems from outside the network perimeter, making it particularly dangerous for organizations with exposed web interfaces. This weakness directly violates security principles of input validation and proper database access control, potentially enabling attackers to escalate privileges or access other connected systems through the compromised database layer.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patch application from Red Hat, which would include implementing proper input sanitization and parameterized queries to prevent SQL injection attacks. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to limit access to the cumin web interface, employ web application firewalls to detect and block malicious SQL injection attempts, and conduct regular security assessments of their MRG Grid deployments. The remediation process should align with ATT&CK framework techniques related to defensive measures against command injection and credential access, ensuring that the solution addresses both the immediate vulnerability and broader security posture improvements. Additionally, implementing proper logging and monitoring of database access patterns can help detect exploitation attempts and provide evidence for forensic analysis if the vulnerability is successfully targeted.