CVE-2016-8582 in OSSIM
Summary
by MITRE
A vulnerability exists in gauge.php of AlienVault OSSIM and USM before 5.3.2 that allows an attacker to execute an arbitrary SQL query and retrieve database information or read local system files via MySQL's LOAD_FILE.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/27/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-8582 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the gauge.php component of AlienVault OSSIM and Unified Security Management platforms prior to version 5.3.2. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly handle user-supplied data before incorporating it into database queries. The flaw specifically affects the application's ability to process parameters that are directly passed to MySQL database operations, creating an avenue for malicious actors to manipulate the underlying database infrastructure through crafted input sequences.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability leverages MySQL's LOAD_FILE function, which enables reading local files on the database server through SQL queries. Attackers can construct malicious SQL payloads that bypass normal security controls and execute arbitrary database commands, potentially allowing full database access and information disclosure. This capability extends beyond simple data retrieval to include the ability to read sensitive system files and configuration data that may contain credentials, system information, or other confidential data. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that it operates at the database level, potentially allowing attackers to escalate privileges and gain deeper system access through the database connection.
Operationally, this vulnerability presents significant risk to organizations utilizing AlienVault platforms, as it can lead to complete database compromise and potential system infiltration. The ability to execute arbitrary SQL queries means that attackers can manipulate or extract sensitive data, potentially including user credentials, system configurations, and security event logs. The LOAD_FILE functionality particularly increases the attack surface by allowing file system access, which could reveal system files containing authentication information or other sensitive data. Organizations may experience data breaches, compliance violations, and operational disruption when this vulnerability is exploited, as the attack can potentially remain undetected for extended periods while data is being exfiltrated.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws in software applications, and demonstrates characteristics consistent with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol manipulation. Organizations should implement immediate patching of affected systems to version 5.3.2 or later, which addresses the input validation issues that enable this exploitation. Additional mitigations include implementing proper input sanitization, using parameterized queries, and restricting database user privileges to minimize potential impact. Network segmentation and monitoring of database access patterns can help detect anomalous behavior that may indicate exploitation attempts, while regular security assessments should verify that similar vulnerabilities do not exist in other components of the security infrastructure.