CVE-2014-3932 in Endpoint Protector
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in the device registration component in wsf/webservice.php in CoSoSys Endpoint Protector 4 4.3.0.4 and 4.4.0.2 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via unspecified parameters.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/02/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-3932 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the CoSoSys Endpoint Protector software suite, specifically affecting versions 4.3.0.4 and 4.4.0.2. This security weakness resides in the device registration component of the web service implementation, where the wsf/webservice.php file fails to properly sanitize user input before incorporating it into SQL queries. The vulnerability enables remote attackers to manipulate the underlying database through carefully crafted input parameters that are not adequately validated or escaped, potentially allowing full database access and arbitrary command execution. The flaw demonstrates a classic lack of input validation and proper parameterization in database operations, which is a fundamental security principle that should be enforced across all web applications handling user data.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of unspecified parameters within the device registration web service endpoint. When legitimate users attempt to register devices through the web interface, their input data is processed by the vulnerable wsf/webservice.php script without appropriate sanitization measures. This allows attackers to inject malicious SQL syntax into the query execution flow, potentially bypassing authentication mechanisms, extracting sensitive data, modifying database records, or even executing system commands on the underlying server. The vulnerability is classified as a CWE-89: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command, which is one of the most prevalent and dangerous web application security flaws according to the CWE database. The attack vector is particularly concerning as it requires no authentication to exploit, making it accessible to any remote attacker who can reach the vulnerable web service endpoint.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it fundamentally compromises the security posture of systems using CoSoSys Endpoint Protector. Organizations relying on this software for endpoint protection face significant risks including unauthorized access to device registration databases, potential data exfiltration, and possible lateral movement within the network. The vulnerability affects the core functionality of device management, which is critical for endpoint security operations, potentially allowing attackers to register malicious devices or manipulate existing device records. This weakness can be leveraged as a stepping stone for more sophisticated attacks, enabling threat actors to establish persistence within the network or gain elevated privileges. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1071.004: Application Layer Protocol: DNS and T1190: Exploit Public-Facing Application, highlighting the attack paths that can be taken through public web services to achieve initial compromise and lateral movement.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-3932 require immediate action from affected organizations to protect their infrastructure. The primary remediation involves applying the vendor-provided security patches or upgrading to versions of CoSoSys Endpoint Protector that have addressed this vulnerability. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to limit access to the vulnerable web service endpoint, ensuring that only authorized administrative systems can reach the device registration component. Input validation and parameterized queries should be implemented as defensive measures, with proper sanitization of all user inputs before database interaction. Network monitoring and intrusion detection systems should be configured to detect suspicious SQL injection patterns and anomalous database access attempts. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive security assessments of their endpoint protection infrastructure to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components, as the presence of one SQL injection vulnerability often indicates potential for similar flaws throughout the application codebase. The vulnerability underscores the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and implementing proper input validation practices in all web applications, particularly those handling sensitive endpoint management data.