CVE-2016-5817 in Navis WebAccess
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in news pages in Cargotec Navis WebAccess before 2016-08-10 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/01/2019
The CVE-2016-5817 vulnerability represents a critical SQL injection flaw discovered in Cargotec Navis WebAccess software prior to the 2016-08-10 patch release. This vulnerability specifically affects the news page functionality within the web access interface, creating a pathway for remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands against the underlying database system. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly filter user-supplied data before incorporating it into database queries. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-89 which categorizes SQL injection as a common weakness in web applications where untrusted data is directly concatenated into SQL command strings without proper escaping or parameterization. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers can leverage this flaw from outside the network perimeter without requiring physical access or authentication credentials, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where such systems are often exposed to external networks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when user input from news page elements is processed without proper validation, allowing malicious actors to inject SQL payload sequences that manipulate the database query execution flow. Attackers can construct specially crafted inputs that, when processed by the vulnerable application, alter the intended database operations to execute unauthorized commands. This typically involves appending SQL syntax such as semicolons, comments, or UNION clauses to existing queries, thereby gaining access to sensitive data, modifying database contents, or even escalating privileges within the database environment. The unspecified vectors mentioned in the description suggest that multiple input points within the news page functionality could be exploited, potentially including parameters in URLs, form fields, or headers that are not properly sanitized before database interaction occurs.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it can enable comprehensive database compromise and potential system-wide infiltration. Successful exploitation could result in unauthorized access to sensitive operational data, including but not limited to cargo information, shipping schedules, inventory records, and potentially system configuration details. The vulnerability's presence in a logistics and supply chain management system like Navis WebAccess creates additional risks as attackers could potentially disrupt operations, manipulate shipment data, or gain insights into critical business processes. From an attacker's perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 which involves application layer protocol manipulation, and T1190 which covers exploitation of remote services. Organizations utilizing this software face significant risk of data breaches, regulatory non-compliance, and operational disruption, particularly given the sensitive nature of maritime logistics and port operations data.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-5817 must focus on immediate patch application and comprehensive input validation implementation. Organizations should prioritize updating to the patched version released on or after 2016-08-10 to eliminate the vulnerability at its source. Beyond patching, implementing proper parameterized queries, input sanitization, and output encoding techniques can significantly reduce the attack surface. Database access controls should be reviewed to ensure least privilege principles are enforced, limiting the damage potential even if exploitation occurs. Network segmentation and intrusion detection systems should be configured to monitor for suspicious SQL patterns and unusual database access patterns. Security awareness training for developers and administrators should emphasize secure coding practices, particularly around database interaction and input handling. Additionally, regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in other application components and ensure the overall security posture remains robust against evolving threats. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and implementing defense-in-depth strategies to protect enterprise systems from SQL injection attacks.