CVE-2018-12464 in Secure Messaging Gateway
Summary
by MITRE
A SQL injection vulnerability in the web administration and quarantine components of Micro Focus Secure Messaging Gateway allows an unauthenticated remote attacker to execute arbitrary SQL statements against the database. This can be exploited to create an administrative account and used in conjunction with CVE-2018-12465 to achieve unauthenticated remote code execution. Affects Micro Focus Secure Messaging Gateway versions prior to 471. It does not affect previous versions of the product that use the GWAVA product name (i.e. GWAVA 6.5).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/22/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-12464 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the web administration and quarantine components of Micro Focus Secure Messaging Gateway. This weakness specifically targets the database interaction mechanisms that handle user authentication and administrative functions, creating a pathway for unauthenticated remote attackers to manipulate the underlying database through maliciously crafted SQL statements. The vulnerability exists in versions prior to 471 and affects the product's web interface components that process user inputs without proper sanitization or parameterization, making it particularly dangerous as it requires no prior authentication credentials to exploit.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the web administration interface where user-supplied parameters are directly incorporated into SQL queries without proper escaping or parameter binding mechanisms. This flaw aligns with CWE-89 which categorizes SQL injection vulnerabilities as a result of insufficient input sanitization and improper query construction. The attack vector allows remote exploitation through web-based interfaces, enabling attackers to manipulate database contents and potentially escalate privileges within the system. When combined with CVE-2018-12465, which likely represents a privilege escalation or code execution vulnerability, attackers can achieve complete system compromise through a chained exploitation approach.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data manipulation as it provides attackers with the ability to create administrative accounts within the messaging gateway system. This administrative access point creates a persistent foothold within the network infrastructure, allowing attackers to modify quarantine policies, access sensitive email communications, and potentially use the system as a pivot point for further network exploration. The vulnerability affects the core functionality of the Secure Messaging Gateway by compromising the integrity of administrative controls and database security mechanisms. Organizations relying on this messaging solution face significant risk of unauthorized access to email content and system configuration data, potentially exposing sensitive corporate communications and violating data protection regulations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-12464 should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems to version 471 or later, as this represents the most effective defense against the identified SQL injection vulnerability. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit exposure of the web administration interfaces to trusted networks only, reducing the attack surface available to potential remote attackers. Input validation mechanisms should be enhanced to include proper parameterization of all database queries and implementation of prepared statements to prevent SQL injection attacks. Organizations should also implement monitoring solutions to detect suspicious database access patterns and unauthorized administrative account creation attempts. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under the T1071.004 technique for application layer protocol usage, and the T1059.001 technique for command and scripting interpreter usage, as attackers may leverage the created administrative accounts to execute further malicious activities within the compromised system.