CVE-2018-11065 in RSA Archer
Summary
by MITRE
The WorkPoint component, which is embedded in all RSA Archer, versions 6.1.x, 6.2.x, 6.3.x prior to 6.3.0.7 and 6.4.x prior to 6.4.0.1, contains a SQL injection vulnerability. A malicious user could potentially exploit this vulnerability to execute SQL commands on the back-end database to read certain data. Embedded WorkPoint is upgraded to version 4.10.16, which contains a fix for the vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/04/2023
The CVE-2018-11065 vulnerability represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the WorkPoint component of RSA Archer software platforms. This vulnerability affects multiple version streams including 6.1.x, 6.2.x, 6.3.x prior to 6.3.0.7, and 6.4.x prior to 6.4.0.1, indicating a widespread impact across the product lifecycle. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the embedded WorkPoint component, which processes user-supplied data without proper sanitization before incorporating it into database queries. This flaw creates a direct pathway for malicious actors to inject arbitrary SQL commands into the backend database system through the application's interface.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when user input is directly concatenated into SQL query strings without proper parameterization or escaping mechanisms. According to CWE classification, this represents a CWE-89: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command, which is a fundamental weakness in database query construction. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to perform unauthorized data access operations, potentially extracting sensitive information from the underlying database. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple data theft as it enables attackers to manipulate database contents, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that RSA Archer is commonly used for enterprise risk management and compliance tracking, where the data at risk typically includes highly sensitive business and regulatory information.
The operational implications of CVE-2018-11065 are severe for organizations relying on RSA Archer platforms. The vulnerability's potential for data exfiltration creates significant risk for enterprises handling confidential information, regulatory compliance data, and business-critical processes. Organizations may face regulatory penalties, financial losses, and reputational damage if successful attacks occur. The vulnerability's presence in multiple version streams indicates that many organizations may have been exposed for extended periods without detection, as the flaw existed across several product releases. Security teams must consider this vulnerability as part of their broader threat landscape, particularly in environments where RSA Archer serves as a central component for governance, risk, and compliance management. The fix implemented in WorkPoint version 4.10.16 addresses the root cause by introducing proper input validation and parameterized query construction, aligning with ATT&CK framework technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol manipulation.
Organizations should implement immediate remediation strategies including upgrading to the patched WorkPoint version 4.10.16 across all affected RSA Archer installations. Network segmentation and database access controls should be reviewed to limit potential impact if exploitation occurs. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual database access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation and parameterized queries in preventing SQL injection attacks, reinforcing industry best practices established in standards such as OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines. Regular vulnerability assessments and patch management processes should be strengthened to prevent similar issues in other components of the RSA Archer platform and related systems.