CVE-2017-10816 in MaLion
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in the MaLion for Windows and Mac 5.0.0 to 5.2.1 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via Relay Service Server.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/03/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-10816 represents a critical SQL injection flaw affecting MaLion software versions 5.0.0 through 5.2.1 on both Windows and Mac platforms. This vulnerability resides within the Relay Service Server component of the application, creating a pathway for remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands against the underlying database system. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the server's query processing mechanisms, allowing malicious actors to inject harmful SQL code through specially crafted requests.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic SQL injection attack vector where user-controllable input parameters are directly concatenated into SQL query strings without proper escaping or parameterization. When the Relay Service Server processes incoming requests, it fails to adequately validate or sanitize the data received from remote clients, enabling attackers to manipulate the intended database operations. This weakness specifically affects the server's ability to handle authentication and session management data, potentially allowing unauthorized access to sensitive information stored within the database.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to organizations using MaLion software, as it enables remote code execution capabilities that can result in complete database compromise. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to extract confidential data, modify or delete database records, and potentially escalate privileges within the affected system. The remote nature of the attack means that adversaries do not require physical access to the system or local network presence, making the vulnerability particularly dangerous in networked environments where the Relay Service Server may be exposed to external traffic.
The impact of this vulnerability extends beyond immediate data compromise, as it can facilitate further attack vectors within the network infrastructure. According to the MITRE ATT&CK framework, this represents a technique categorized under command and control communications, where attackers can establish persistent access through database manipulation. Organizations may face compliance violations and regulatory penalties if sensitive data is compromised, particularly in industries governed by standards such as pci dss, hipaa, or gdpr. The vulnerability also aligns with CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws in software applications.
Security mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate patching of affected MaLion versions to the latest releases that contain proper input validation and parameterization of database queries. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit access to the Relay Service Server and deploy web application firewalls to monitor and filter suspicious SQL injection attempts. Additionally, database access controls should be reviewed and strengthened, ensuring that applications use least privilege principles when connecting to database systems. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications within the organization's infrastructure, as this type of flaw often indicates broader security weaknesses in software development practices.