CVE-2017-7973 in U.motion Builder
Summary
by MITRE
A SQL injection vulnerability exists in Schneider Electric's U.motion Builder software versions 1.2.1 and prior in which an unauthenticated user can use calls to various paths allowing performance of arbitrary SQL commands against the underlying database.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/14/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-7973 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within Schneider Electric's U.motion Builder software suite, specifically affecting versions 1.2.1 and earlier releases. This security weakness resides in the application's handling of user input through various API endpoints and path calls that directly interface with the underlying database infrastructure. The vulnerability allows an attacker to execute arbitrary SQL commands without requiring authentication, effectively bypassing traditional access controls that should normally prevent unauthorized database interactions. The affected software operates within industrial control systems environments where U.motion Builder serves as a configuration and management tool for building automation systems, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for critical infrastructure deployments.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the software's web interface components. When users make requests to specific paths within the application's API, the software fails to properly escape or parameterize user-supplied data before incorporating it into SQL query structures. This flaw falls under the CWE-89 category of SQL Injection, where malicious input is directly interpreted and executed as database commands. The vulnerability is classified as a remote code execution vector because attackers can manipulate database queries to extract sensitive information, modify database contents, or even gain deeper system access through database-level privileges. The unauthenticated nature of this exploit means that any external party with network access to the affected system can potentially leverage this weakness without requiring valid credentials or prior system compromise.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-7973 extends beyond simple data compromise, as it represents a fundamental breakdown in the security architecture of industrial control systems. In environments where U.motion Builder manages building automation systems, this vulnerability could enable attackers to manipulate HVAC controls, lighting systems, security access controls, or other critical infrastructure components that rely on the software for configuration and operation. The potential for cascading effects increases significantly when considering that many industrial systems operate in interconnected networks where a single compromised device can serve as a foothold for broader network infiltration. Organizations using affected versions of U.motion Builder face risks of operational disruption, safety hazards, and potential regulatory violations in industries governed by standards such as NIST SP 800-82 for industrial control systems security. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol manipulation, where attackers exploit web application vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access to backend systems.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including upgrading to patched versions of U.motion Builder software, implementing network segmentation to limit access to affected systems, and deploying web application firewalls to detect and block malicious SQL injection attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of input validation and parameterized queries in preventing injection attacks, principles that align with OWASP Top Ten security practices. System administrators should also conduct thorough vulnerability assessments of their industrial control environments to identify other potentially affected Schneider Electric products and ensure proper network access controls are implemented. Additionally, monitoring for unusual database activity patterns and implementing intrusion detection systems can help identify exploitation attempts before they result in significant operational impacts. The incident highlights the critical need for regular security updates and patch management processes in industrial environments where legacy systems may remain operational for extended periods without proper security maintenance.