CVE-2017-1175 in Maximo Asset Management
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Maximo Asset Management 7.1, 7.5, and 7.6 is vulnerable to SQL injection. A remote attacker could send specially-crafted SQL statements, which could allow the attacker to view, add, modify or delete information in the back-end database. IBM X-Force ID: 123297.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/30/2020
IBM Maximo Asset Management versions 7.1, 7.5, and 7.6 contain a critical SQL injection vulnerability that exposes the underlying database to unauthorized access. This vulnerability arises from insufficient input validation within the application's database query construction processes, allowing malicious actors to inject arbitrary SQL commands through specially crafted requests. The flaw exists in the application's handling of user-supplied data that is directly incorporated into database queries without proper sanitization or parameterization mechanisms.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability enables attackers to manipulate database operations by exploiting weak input validation controls. When user input is processed and concatenated directly into SQL statements, it creates opportunities for attackers to alter the intended query execution flow. This allows for unauthorized data access, modification, or deletion operations that would normally be restricted to authorized users. The vulnerability specifically affects the back-end database layer where Maximo processes user requests, making it particularly dangerous as it can compromise the integrity and confidentiality of asset management data.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft to encompass complete database compromise. Attackers can leverage this weakness to extract sensitive information including asset details, maintenance records, user credentials, and operational data that forms the core of enterprise asset management systems. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers do not require physical access to the system, enabling them to target the application from external networks. This creates significant risk for organizations that rely on Maximo for critical asset tracking and management operations, potentially leading to operational disruptions, regulatory compliance violations, and financial losses.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the vendor-provided security patches, implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious SQL injection attempts, and conducting thorough input validation across all user-facing application interfaces. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-89 which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploiting vulnerabilities in software applications. Additional protective measures include database activity monitoring, regular security assessments, and implementing least privilege access controls to limit potential damage from successful exploitation attempts.