CVE-2017-12710 in WebAccess
Summary
by MITRE
A SQL Injection issue was discovered in Advantech WebAccess versions prior to V8.2_20170817. By submitting a specially crafted parameter, it is possible to inject arbitrary SQL statements that could allow an attacker to obtain sensitive information.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/12/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-12710 represents a critical SQL injection flaw in Advantech WebAccess software versions prior to V8.2_20170817. This weakness resides in the application's handling of user input parameters within database queries, creating an avenue for malicious actors to manipulate the underlying database infrastructure. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-89 which specifically addresses SQL injection vulnerabilities where untrusted data is incorporated into SQL commands without proper sanitization or parameterization. The flaw manifests when the application fails to properly validate or escape user-supplied input before incorporating it into SQL query constructs, allowing attackers to inject malicious SQL code through crafted parameters.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability enables attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands against the database backend through carefully constructed input parameters. This allows for unauthorized data access, modification, or deletion operations that can compromise the integrity and confidentiality of sensitive information stored within the WebAccess system. The attack vector typically involves submitting malicious input through web forms, URL parameters, or API endpoints that are processed by the vulnerable application. When the application processes these inputs without proper input validation or parameterized queries, the injected SQL commands are executed with the privileges of the database user account under which the WebAccess application operates. This can result in complete database compromise, including access to user credentials, operational data, and system configurations.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-12710 extends beyond simple data theft, as it can enable attackers to escalate privileges within the database environment and potentially gain access to additional system resources. The vulnerability affects industrial control systems and supervisory control and data acquisition environments where WebAccess is commonly deployed, making it particularly concerning for critical infrastructure sectors. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to extract sensitive operational data, modify control parameters, or even disrupt industrial processes by manipulating the underlying database. The implications are significant in environments where industrial security is paramount, as database compromise can lead to operational disruptions, regulatory compliance violations, and potential safety hazards. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1071.005 Application Layer Protocol: Web Protocols and T1046 Network Service Scanning, as attackers would need to identify and exploit web-based interfaces to execute SQL injection attacks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-12710 primarily focus on immediate software updates and proper input validation implementation. Organizations should prioritize upgrading to Advantech WebAccess V8.2_20170817 or later versions that contain patches addressing this vulnerability. Additionally, implementing proper parameterized queries, input sanitization, and output encoding can prevent similar issues in other applications. Network segmentation and database access controls should be enforced to limit the potential damage from successful exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in other industrial control systems. The remediation approach aligns with NIST cybersecurity framework recommendations for protecting industrial control systems and should be integrated into broader security operations center procedures for monitoring and incident response.