CVE-2017-5812 in Network Automation
Summary
by MITRE
A remote sql information disclosure vulnerability in HPE Network Automation version 9.1x, 9.2x, 10.0x, 10.1x and 10.2x were found.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/04/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-5812 represents a critical remote SQL information disclosure flaw affecting HPE Network Automation software across multiple versions including 9.1x, 9.2x, 10.0x, 10.1x, and 10.2x. This vulnerability falls under the category of information disclosure vulnerabilities that can potentially expose sensitive database information to unauthorized remote attackers. The flaw exists within the database interaction mechanisms of the network automation platform, specifically in how SQL queries are processed and handled by the application layer. The vulnerability allows attackers to extract database schema information, user credentials, and other sensitive data through carefully crafted SQL injection payloads that bypass normal access controls.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and improper sanitization of user-supplied data within the SQL query processing components of HPE Network Automation. Attackers can exploit this weakness by submitting malicious SQL commands through the application's web interface or API endpoints that interact with the underlying database system. The vulnerability is classified as a CWE-20: Improper Input Validation, which is a fundamental weakness in software design that allows malicious input to influence program execution. The flaw operates at the application layer where user input directly influences SQL query construction without proper parameterization or input filtering, creating an environment where attackers can manipulate database interactions to extract confidential information.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the leaked database information could include administrative credentials, network configuration details, and user account information that could enable further exploitation. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could potentially escalate privileges within the network automation environment, access sensitive network infrastructure configurations, or use stolen credentials to compromise additional systems within the network. The vulnerability affects organizations that rely on HPE Network Automation for managing their network infrastructure, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where network automation systems control critical infrastructure components. This exposure creates a significant risk for organizations that may have limited visibility into their network automation systems, as the vulnerability could remain undetected for extended periods while attackers systematically extract information from the database.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigations including applying the vendor-provided security patches and updates, implementing network segmentation to limit access to the affected systems, and deploying web application firewalls to detect and block malicious SQL injection attempts. The remediation process should also include conducting comprehensive security assessments of the network automation environment to identify potential secondary impacts from information disclosure. Additionally, organizations should review their database access controls and implement proper input validation mechanisms to prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in other applications. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004: Application Layer Protocol: DNS, where attackers may use information disclosure to gather intelligence for further attacks, and T1005: Data from Local System, as the vulnerability allows extraction of data from the local database system. The incident highlights the importance of proper input validation and parameterized queries in preventing SQL injection attacks and emphasizes the need for continuous security monitoring of network automation platforms that handle sensitive infrastructure data.