CVE-2016-2873 in QRadar SIEM
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in IBM QRadar SIEM 7.1 before MR2 Patch 13 and 7.2 before 7.2.7 allows remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary SQL commands via unspecified vectors.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/13/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-2873 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within IBM QRadar SIEM versions 7.1 before MR2 Patch 13 and 7.2 before 7.2.7. This security weakness resides in the application's handling of user input within database queries, creating an avenue for malicious actors to manipulate backend database operations. The vulnerability specifically affects IBM's Security Information and Event Management platform, which serves as a cornerstone for enterprise security monitoring and threat detection. The affected versions demonstrate a failure in proper input validation and parameterization of database queries, allowing attackers to inject malicious SQL code through unspecified vectors within the application's interface.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when authenticated users leverage the application's API or web interface to submit crafted input that bypasses normal input sanitization mechanisms. This flaw enables attackers to construct malicious SQL statements that execute with the privileges of the application's database user account. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection weaknesses where untrusted data is incorporated into SQL commands without proper escaping or parameterization. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to extract sensitive data from the database, modify or delete records, and potentially escalate privileges within the system. The unspecified vectors suggest that the vulnerability may manifest across multiple input points within the application's interface, making it particularly dangerous as it could be exploited through various attack surfaces.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-2873 extends beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with a pathway to compromise the entire SIEM infrastructure. Organizations relying on QRadar for security monitoring face significant risks including unauthorized access to security event logs, network traffic data, and user authentication records. The vulnerability's remote execution capability means attackers do not require physical access to the system, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where network segmentation may not be comprehensive. This vulnerability directly impacts the CIA triad by compromising confidentiality through data exfiltration, integrity through potential data modification, and availability through possible system disruption. The attack surface is further expanded by the fact that the vulnerability affects multiple product versions, requiring organizations to assess their entire deployment landscape for exposure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-2873 require immediate implementation of IBM's official security patches, specifically the MR2 Patch 13 for 7.1 and 7.2.7 for 7.2 versions. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit access to QRadar systems and enforce strict authentication controls to reduce the attack surface. The vulnerability's remediation aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004, which covers application layer protocol usage, and T1046, network service scanning, as attackers may attempt to identify vulnerable endpoints. Security teams should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all instances of affected QRadar versions within their environment and implement monitoring for suspicious database activity. Additionally, organizations should review their input validation processes and ensure all database interactions utilize parameterized queries or stored procedures to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in the future. The remediation process should include thorough testing of patches to ensure compatibility with existing SIEM configurations and workflows.