CVE-2016-9728 in QRadar
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Qradar 7.2 is vulnerable to SQL injection. A remote attacker could send specially-crafted SQL statements, which could allow the attacker to view, information in the back-end database. IBM Reference #: 1999543.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/04/2020
IBM QRadar version 7.2 contains a critical SQL injection vulnerability that exposes the system to remote exploitation by malicious actors. This vulnerability resides within the application's handling of user input in database queries, creating an avenue for attackers to manipulate backend database operations through crafted SQL commands. The flaw enables unauthorized access to sensitive data stored within QRadar's database infrastructure, potentially compromising the integrity and confidentiality of security event data that organizations rely upon for threat detection and incident response.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within QRadar's web interface and API endpoints. When user-supplied data is directly incorporated into SQL query construction without proper parameterization or escaping mechanisms, attackers can inject malicious SQL syntax that alters the intended query behavior. This allows threat actors to execute arbitrary database commands, potentially extracting sensitive information including user credentials, system configurations, and security event logs. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because QRadar serves as a security information and event management system, making the compromised data highly valuable for attackers seeking to establish persistent access or conduct advanced persistent threat operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data exfiltration, as it can enable attackers to escalate privileges and potentially compromise the entire QRadar environment. Successful exploitation could allow adversaries to manipulate security events, hide malicious activities from detection, or even modify system configurations to weaken overall security posture. Organizations using QRadar 7.2 may face significant compliance and regulatory implications if sensitive data is accessed or modified through this vulnerability, particularly in environments governed by standards such as pci dss, hipaa, or soc 2. The attack surface is further expanded by the fact that this vulnerability can be exploited remotely without requiring authentication, making it particularly dangerous for organizations with exposed QRadar instances on public networks.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including applying the official IBM security patches released for this vulnerability, which typically involve proper input validation and parameterized query construction. Network segmentation and access controls should be strengthened to limit exposure of QRadar systems to untrusted networks, while monitoring for suspicious database activity should be enhanced to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-89 which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws, and represents a technique commonly referenced in the ATT&CK framework under T1071.004 for application layer protocol manipulation. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar issues in other database-driven applications within the organization's infrastructure.