CVE-2016-8025 in VirusScan Enterprise Linux
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in Intel Security VirusScan Enterprise Linux (VSEL) 2.0.3 (and earlier) allows remote authenticated users to obtain product information via a crafted HTTP request parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/06/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-8025 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within Intel Security VirusScan Enterprise Linux version 2.0.3 and earlier releases. This vulnerability specifically affects the web interface component of the security solution, creating a pathway for remote attackers who have already established authentication credentials to exploit the system. The flaw resides in how the application processes HTTP request parameters, particularly those related to product information retrieval functions. Attackers can craft malicious HTTP requests that manipulate the underlying database queries, potentially extracting sensitive product information including version details, system configurations, and other administrative data that should remain protected.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the web application layer of VSEL. When legitimate authenticated users submit HTTP requests containing crafted parameters, the application fails to properly escape or filter these inputs before incorporating them into SQL queries. This primitive form of SQL injection allows attackers to manipulate the query execution flow and potentially extract data from the database through error-based or union-based techniques. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and requires only authenticated access, making it particularly concerning as it can be exploited by compromised accounts or insider threats. This weakness aligns with CWE-89 which categorizes SQL injection vulnerabilities as a fundamental flaw in web application security where untrusted data is directly incorporated into SQL commands without proper sanitization.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the extracted product information could serve as valuable intelligence for attackers planning more sophisticated attacks against the targeted environment. The exposure of version information provides attackers with specific knowledge about the software stack, enabling them to identify potential additional vulnerabilities specific to that version of Intel Security VirusScan Enterprise Linux. Furthermore, the ability to obtain product information through authenticated access could facilitate privilege escalation attempts or provide insights for crafting more targeted attacks against other components within the same security infrastructure. This vulnerability essentially undermines the security posture by exposing administrative details that should remain confidential, potentially enabling attackers to tailor their exploitation strategies against known weaknesses in the specific version of the software.
Organizations affected by CVE-2016-8025 should implement immediate mitigations including applying the vendor-provided security patches and updates that address the SQL injection vulnerability. Network segmentation and access control measures should be enhanced to limit the scope of authenticated access to only necessary personnel, reducing the potential attack surface for exploitation. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities within the broader security infrastructure. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under the T1213 technique for Data from Information Repositories, highlighting how attackers can leverage authenticated access to extract sensitive data through database manipulation. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and input validation controls can provide additional defense-in-depth measures to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being exploited in the future. Organizations should also consider implementing automated vulnerability scanning tools that can detect and alert on suspicious HTTP request patterns that may indicate attempts to exploit SQL injection vulnerabilities.