CVE-2015-3947 in WebAccess
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in Advantech WebAccess before 8.1 allows remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary SQL commands via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/23/2018
The CVE-2015-3947 vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw discovered in advantech webaccess software versions prior to 8.1. This vulnerability affects industrial automation and monitoring systems that rely on advantech webaccess for web-based interface management and data handling. The flaw exists within the authentication and authorization mechanisms of the webaccess platform, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit the system through sql injection techniques. The vulnerability specifically targets the database interaction components that process user inputs and queries, allowing unauthorized execution of sql commands without proper authorization. This presents a significant risk to industrial control systems and operational technology environments where webaccess is deployed for monitoring and managing critical infrastructure operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and parameter sanitization within the webaccess application's database query processing functions. Attackers can leverage this weakness by submitting malicious sql payloads through authenticated user sessions, bypassing normal security controls and gaining unauthorized access to underlying database systems. The unspecified vectors suggest that multiple entry points within the webaccess interface could potentially be exploited, including web forms, api endpoints, or administrative interfaces that handle user data. This lack of specificity in the vector description indicates a broad attack surface where various components of the webaccess platform could serve as entry points for sql injection exploitation. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and specifically targets the database abstraction layer where user inputs are processed and executed as sql commands.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-3947 extends beyond simple data theft or modification, as it provides attackers with elevated privileges to manipulate critical industrial processes and access sensitive operational data. Organizations using affected webaccess versions face potential disruption to their industrial control systems, data integrity compromises, and possible unauthorized access to operational parameters that could affect production processes. The vulnerability enables attackers to potentially modify configuration settings, access confidential operational data, or even manipulate real-time process controls through database manipulation. This presents particular concern for critical infrastructure sectors such as manufacturing, energy, and utilities where webaccess is commonly deployed for process monitoring and control. The remote execution capability means attackers can exploit this vulnerability from external networks without requiring physical access to the industrial facilities, making it particularly dangerous for distributed industrial environments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-3947 should prioritize immediate software updates to version 8.1 or later, which includes patched sql injection protections and improved input validation mechanisms. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit access to webaccess systems and restrict administrative privileges to only essential personnel. Additional defensive measures include implementing web application firewalls specifically configured to detect and block sql injection attempts, conducting regular security assessments of industrial web applications, and establishing robust monitoring protocols for unusual database access patterns. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-89 which categorizes sql injection flaws as a fundamental weakness in application security, and represents a technique commonly associated with attack phases in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the execution and privilege escalation categories. Security teams should also consider implementing database activity monitoring solutions to detect anomalous sql query patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts. Regular vulnerability scanning and penetration testing of industrial web applications remains essential for maintaining security posture against similar sql injection vulnerabilities in operational technology environments.