CVE-2016-0249 in Security Guardium Database Activity Monitor
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in IBM Security Guardium Database Activity Monitor 8.2 before p310, 9.x through 9.5 before p700, and 10.x through 10.1 before p100 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/11/2019
The CVE-2016-0249 vulnerability represents a critical SQL injection flaw within IBM Security Guardium Database Activity Monitor across multiple version ranges including 8.2 before p310, 9.x through 9.5 before p700, and 10.x through 10.1 before p100. This vulnerability resides in the database activity monitoring solution that is designed to protect database environments by monitoring and analyzing database activities. The flaw enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands through unspecified attack vectors, fundamentally compromising the integrity and security of the monitored database systems. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because Guardium is positioned as a security solution that should protect against malicious database activities, yet this flaw allows attackers to bypass its protective mechanisms.
The technical nature of this SQL injection vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the Guardium application's database interaction components. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious SQL commands that are then executed against the underlying database without proper filtering or escaping mechanisms. The unspecified vectors suggest that the vulnerability could be triggered through various entry points within the application's web interface, API endpoints, or database connection handling processes. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-89 which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws where untrusted data is incorporated into SQL commands without proper validation or escaping. The remote execution capability indicates that the attack can be performed from outside the network perimeter, making it particularly dangerous for organizations that rely on Guardium for database security monitoring.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft or modification. Organizations using affected Guardium versions face significant risks including complete database compromise, unauthorized access to sensitive information, data exfiltration, and potential system-wide disruption. The vulnerability undermines the fundamental security posture of database environments that rely on Guardium for monitoring and protection, as attackers can exploit the flaw to execute commands that may bypass the very security controls the system is designed to enforce. This creates a dangerous scenario where the security solution becomes a vector for attack rather than a protective mechanism. The vulnerability also impacts the integrity of database audit trails and monitoring data, potentially allowing attackers to modify or delete critical security logs that would otherwise provide evidence of malicious activities.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including applying the latest IBM security patches and updates to address the vulnerability in affected versions. Network segmentation and access controls should be enhanced to limit exposure of Guardium components to untrusted networks. The implementation of web application firewalls and database activity monitoring solutions that can detect and block SQL injection attempts should be considered as additional defensive measures. Security teams should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify any potential exploitation attempts and review database access controls to ensure that only authorized users can interact with the vulnerable components. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1071.005 Application Layer Protocol: Web Protocols, as it involves exploitation of web-based interfaces to execute malicious SQL commands. Additionally, the technique T1059.008 Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell could be relevant if attackers use automated tools to exploit the vulnerability, while T1190 Exploit Public-Facing Application represents the core attack pattern. Organizations should also consider implementing database hardening practices including disabling unnecessary database features, implementing least privilege access controls, and regularly auditing database configurations to minimize the attack surface and reduce the potential impact of similar vulnerabilities.