CVE-2018-1096 in Foreman
Summary
by MITRE
An input sanitization flaw was found in the id field in the dashboard controller of Foreman before 1.16.1. A user could use this flaw to perform an SQL injection attack on the back end database.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/27/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-1096 represents a critical input sanitization flaw within the Foreman dashboard controller that existed prior to version 1.16.1. This weakness specifically affects the handling of the id field parameter, creating an exploitable condition that allows attackers to manipulate database queries through malicious input. The flaw resides in the application's failure to properly validate and sanitize user-supplied data before incorporating it into backend database operations, which constitutes a fundamental breakdown in the application's security architecture.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation mechanisms within the dashboard controller component of Foreman's web application. When users submit requests containing an id field parameter through the dashboard interface, the application processes this input without adequate sanitization measures. This allows an attacker to inject malicious SQL code that gets executed against the underlying database system, potentially enabling unauthorized access to sensitive data, modification of database records, or even complete database compromise. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-89 which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws and demonstrates how inadequate input validation creates persistent security weaknesses in web applications.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-1096 extends beyond simple data exposure, as it provides attackers with a pathway to execute arbitrary database commands through the Foreman management interface. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to extract confidential information from the database, modify configuration settings, or potentially escalate privileges within the system. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it targets the dashboard controller, which serves as a primary interface for system administrators, making it a high-value target for exploitation. This vulnerability also falls under ATT&CK technique T1071.005 which covers application layer protocol usage and T1190 which addresses exploitation of remote services, highlighting its relevance to enterprise security frameworks.
Organizations utilizing Foreman versions prior to 1.16.1 face significant risk from this vulnerability, as it essentially provides a backdoor for attackers to bypass traditional security controls. The remediation approach requires immediate patching to version 1.16.1 or later, which incorporates proper input sanitization and validation mechanisms. Additionally, system administrators should implement network segmentation to limit access to the Foreman dashboard, employ web application firewalls to monitor for suspicious SQL injection patterns, and conduct regular security assessments of the application's input handling mechanisms. The vulnerability underscores the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and demonstrates how seemingly simple input validation flaws can create substantial security risks in enterprise management platforms.