CVE-2016-10000 in Whatsup Gold
Summary
by MITRE
Ipswitch WhatsUp Gold 16.4.1 WrFreeFormText.asp sUniqueID Parameter Blind SQL Injection
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/09/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-10000 affects Ipswitch WhatsUp Gold version 16.4.1 and specifically targets the WrFreeFormText.asp component through the sUniqueID parameter. This represents a critical blind sql injection flaw that allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary sql commands against the underlying database without being able to directly observe the results. The vulnerability resides within the web application's input validation mechanisms, where user-supplied data from the sUniqueID parameter is not properly sanitized or escaped before being processed in sql queries. This weakness enables attackers to manipulate the sql execution flow and potentially extract sensitive information from the database, modify data, or even escalate privileges within the application environment.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a blind sql injection attack pattern where the attacker cannot directly see the sql query results but can infer information through indirect means such as response timing differences or conditional responses. The flaw occurs because the application constructs sql queries dynamically by concatenating user input directly into the sql statement without proper parameterization or input sanitization. This type of vulnerability is classified under cwe-89 sql injection as it involves the insertion of malicious sql code through input fields. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it allows for remote code execution and data exfiltration without requiring authentication, making it accessible to any attacker who can reach the vulnerable web interface.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it can lead to complete system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive network monitoring data that WhatsUp Gold typically manages. Organizations using this version of Ipswitch WhatsUp Gold may face significant risks including unauthorized access to network configurations, credentials stored within the database, and potentially the ability to manipulate monitoring data to hide malicious activities. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of the entire monitoring infrastructure, as attackers could modify or delete critical network monitoring information. According to the mitre att&ck framework, this vulnerability maps to the initial access and execution phases where attackers can establish persistent access and potentially move laterally within the network.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-10000 should prioritize immediate patching of Ipswitch WhatsUp Gold to version 16.5 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for this sql injection vulnerability. Organizations should also implement input validation and parameterized queries throughout the application code to prevent similar issues from occurring in other components. Network segmentation and access controls should be enforced to limit exposure of the vulnerable web interface to untrusted networks. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can help detect and block sql injection attempts. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in other applications. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input sanitization and output encoding practices as outlined in owasp top ten and iso 27001 security standards, emphasizing the need for secure coding practices throughout the software development lifecycle.