CVE-2014-5383 in Open Source Security Information Management
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in AlienVault OSSIM before 4.7.0 allows remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary SQL commands via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/12/2025
The CVE-2014-5383 vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw discovered in AlienVault OSSIM versions prior to 470. This vulnerability affects the open source security information and event management system that organizations use to monitor and analyze security events across their networks. The flaw exists in the authentication handling mechanisms of the system, specifically within the way the application processes user input and constructs sql queries. Attackers who can authenticate to the system can exploit this vulnerability to execute arbitrary sql commands on the underlying database server, potentially gaining full control over the database and accessing sensitive organizational data. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires only authenticated access, meaning that an attacker with valid credentials can leverage this flaw without needing additional privileges or complex exploitation techniques.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation and sanitization within the application's database interaction layers. When authenticated users submit certain parameters through the web interface or api endpoints, the system fails to properly escape or parameterize these inputs before incorporating them into sql queries. This allows maliciously crafted input to alter the intended sql command structure, enabling attackers to inject their own sql commands. The vulnerability falls under the common weakness enumeration category CWE-89 which specifically addresses sql injection flaws, and it aligns with the attack pattern described in the attack tree framework where authenticated users can escalate their privileges through database manipulation. The affected versions of AlienVault OSSIM typically process user-provided data without adequate sanitization, creating an environment where sql command injection can occur through various input vectors including form fields, url parameters, or api calls.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft and encompasses complete system compromise. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can extract sensitive information such as user credentials, system configurations, network topology data, and other confidential organizational information stored in the database. The attacker could also modify or delete critical data, potentially disrupting the security monitoring capabilities of the organization. In many cases, the database server may run with elevated privileges, allowing the attacker to escalate their access to the underlying operating system and potentially move laterally within the network. This vulnerability directly impacts the CIA triad by compromising confidentiality through data exfiltration, integrity through data modification, and availability through potential database corruption or denial of service conditions. Organizations using older versions of AlienVault OSSIM face significant risk of unauthorized access and potential data breaches, particularly in environments where the system is exposed to untrusted networks or where user access controls are not properly enforced.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-5383 primarily focus on immediate system updates and access control improvements. Organizations should immediately upgrade to AlienVault OSSIM version 470 or later, which includes proper input validation and sql injection protection measures. System administrators should also implement network segmentation to limit access to the OSSIM system, ensuring that only authorized personnel can reach the management interfaces. Additional protective measures include enabling web application firewalls to detect and block malicious sql injection attempts, implementing strict input validation at multiple layers of the application, and regularly auditing user access logs for suspicious activities. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of following secure coding practices such as parameterized queries and input sanitization, which are fundamental requirements in the owasp top ten security risks. Organizations should also consider implementing database activity monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous sql execution patterns and alert security teams to potential exploitation attempts. Regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar flaws in other systems and ensure that security controls remain effective against evolving threats.