CVE-2014-1204 in Tableau Server
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in Tableau Server 8.0.x before 8.0.7 and 8.1.x before 8.1.2 allows remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary SQL commands via unspecified vectors. NOTE: this can be exploited by unauthenticated remote attackers if the guest user is enabled.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/17/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-1204 represents a critical sql injection flaw in tableau server versions 8.0.x prior to 8.0.7 and 8.1.x prior to 8.1.2. this weakness enables remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary sql commands through unspecified attack vectors within the table visualization and reporting platform. the vulnerability exists within the server's handling of user inputs and query processing mechanisms, creating a pathway for malicious actors to manipulate database operations and potentially gain unauthorized access to underlying data repositories.
the technical nature of this flaw falls under the common weakness enumeration category of cwe-89 sql injection, which is classified as a persistent vulnerability that allows attackers to inject malicious sql code into database queries. the vulnerability operates by failing to properly sanitize or validate user-supplied inputs before incorporating them into sql statements, enabling attackers to craft malicious inputs that alter the intended execution flow of database queries. the unspecified vectors suggest that the attack surface may involve multiple entry points within the tableau server's api or web interface components that process user requests.
from an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to organizations utilizing tableau server for business intelligence and data visualization. successful exploitation could allow attackers to extract sensitive data, modify database contents, create new database users, or even escalate privileges within the database environment. the potential for data breaches and unauthorized access to business-critical information makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous for enterprises handling confidential customer data, financial records, or proprietary business intelligence. organizations may face regulatory compliance issues and reputational damage if such attacks result in data exposure.
the vulnerability's exploitation potential increases when guest user access is enabled, as this allows unauthenticated remote attackers to leverage the same attack vectors without requiring valid credentials. this expands the attack surface significantly and makes the vulnerability more dangerous from a threat modeling perspective. the attack could potentially be executed through various means including web interface manipulation, api calls, or direct database interaction attempts. the authentication requirements for exploitation are minimal, making this vulnerability particularly attractive to automated attack tools and less sophisticated threat actors.
organizations should implement immediate mitigations including upgrading to tableau server versions 8.0.7 or 8.1.2, which contain patches addressing this sql injection vulnerability. additional protective measures include implementing web application firewalls to monitor and filter malicious sql injection attempts, disabling guest user access where possible, and conducting thorough security assessments of tableau server configurations. network segmentation and access controls should be reinforced to limit exposure, while regular monitoring of database logs can help detect potential exploitation attempts. security teams should also consider implementing database activity monitoring solutions that can identify anomalous sql query patterns indicative of injection attacks. the vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date software versions and proper input validation in enterprise applications, aligning with industry best practices outlined in owasp top ten and nist cybersecurity frameworks. organizations should also establish incident response procedures specifically addressing sql injection vulnerabilities and ensure regular security training for personnel managing tableau server environments.