CVE-2014-7814 in CloudForms 3.1 Management Engine
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in Red Hat CloudForms 3.1 Management Engine (CFME) 5.3 allows remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary SQL commands via a crafted REST API request to an SQL filter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/15/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-7814 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within Red Hat CloudForms 3.1 Management Engine version 5.3, specifically affecting the REST API functionality. This issue arises from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the SQL filter component of the management engine, creating a pathway for malicious actors to manipulate database queries through crafted API requests. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it requires only authenticated access, meaning that an attacker with valid credentials can exploit this weakness to execute arbitrary SQL commands against the underlying database system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper sanitization of user-supplied data within the REST API endpoint that processes SQL filter parameters. When authenticated users submit crafted requests containing malicious SQL payload within filter criteria, the application fails to properly escape or parameterize these inputs before incorporating them into database queries. This design flaw directly maps to CWE-89, which categorizes SQL injection vulnerabilities as weaknesses in software that allows attackers to manipulate database queries through untrusted input. The vulnerability affects the application's data validation layer where user inputs intended for filtering database records are directly concatenated into SQL statements without adequate protection mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft or manipulation, as it provides attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary commands on the database server. An authenticated attacker can leverage this vulnerability to extract sensitive information, modify database records, create new user accounts, or even escalate privileges within the system. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it operates through the standard REST API interface, which is typically exposed to network traffic and accessible to legitimate users with appropriate permissions. This creates a scenario where an attacker with minimal privileges could potentially gain elevated access to the underlying database infrastructure.
Security professionals should note that this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004, which covers application layer protocol manipulation, and T1046, covering network service scanning, as attackers would need to identify and exploit the specific API endpoint to leverage this weakness. The remediation strategy involves implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries throughout the application's data access layer, ensuring that all user-supplied inputs are properly sanitized before being processed by database operations. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious API request patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, regular security assessments and code reviews focused on input validation practices should be conducted to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in future releases of the CloudForms platform.