CVE-2015-8261 in Whatsup Gold
Summary
by MITRE
The DroneDeleteOldMeasurements implementation in Ipswitch WhatsUp Gold before 16.4 does not properly validate serialized XML objects, which allows remote attackers to conduct SQL injection attacks via a crafted SOAP request.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/07/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-8261 resides within the Ipswitch WhatsUp Gold network monitoring solution, specifically affecting versions prior to 16.4. This flaw exists in the DroneDeleteOldMeasurements functionality which processes serialized XML objects through SOAP requests. The issue represents a critical security weakness that enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands against the underlying database system. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation mechanisms within the XML deserialization process, creating a pathway for malicious actors to inject harmful SQL code into the system. This particular implementation flaw demonstrates a classic lack of proper sanitization and validation of user-supplied data before it is processed by the application's backend database components.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through carefully crafted SOAP requests that contain maliciously formatted XML data. When the DroneDeleteOldMeasurements function processes these requests, it fails to properly validate or sanitize the serialized XML objects, allowing attackers to inject SQL commands that are subsequently executed against the database. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-94 category of Code Injection, specifically manifesting as SQL injection due to the database execution context. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it operates over the network without requiring authentication, making it accessible to any remote attacker who can send SOAP requests to the affected system. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple data theft, as successful exploitation can lead to complete database compromise, data manipulation, and potentially full system control.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-8261 is severe for organizations relying on Ipswitch WhatsUp Gold for network monitoring and management. A successful attack could result in unauthorized access to critical network infrastructure data, including device configurations, network topology information, and performance metrics. The vulnerability creates a persistent threat vector that attackers can leverage to maintain long-term access to the monitored network environment. Organizations may experience data breaches, system downtime, and loss of network visibility that could go undetected for extended periods. The attack surface is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where WhatsUp Gold is commonly deployed for comprehensive network monitoring, as it provides attackers with access to sensitive infrastructure information that can be used for further attacks within the network. This vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol usage and T1190 for exploit for lateral movement.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-8261 primarily focus on updating to Ipswitch WhatsUp Gold version 16.4 or later, which includes proper XML validation and sanitization mechanisms. Organizations should also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of the affected system to untrusted networks. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual SOAP request patterns and potential SQL injection attempts. Additionally, administrators should review and restrict SOAP service access to only trusted sources, implement proper input validation at multiple layers, and conduct regular security assessments of network monitoring tools. The remediation process should include thorough testing of the updated software to ensure that the fix properly addresses the XML validation issues while maintaining existing functionality. Organizations should also consider implementing database activity monitoring solutions to detect and alert on suspicious SQL execution patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts.