CVE-2018-14623 in Katello
Summary
by MITRE
A SQL injection flaw was found in katello's errata-related API. An authenticated remote attacker can craft input data to force a malformed SQL query to the backend database, which will leak internal IDs. This is issue is related to an incomplete fix for CVE-2016-3072. Version 3.10 and older is vulnerable.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/18/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-14623 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the katello errata-related application programming interface. This security weakness specifically targets the backend database communication layer where unauthorized input processing leads to malformed SQL queries being executed against the system's database infrastructure. The flaw operates through a sophisticated attack vector that leverages authenticated remote access capabilities, enabling malicious actors to manipulate input data in ways that bypass normal security controls and directly influence database operations. This vulnerability affects versions 3.10 and earlier of the katello platform, indicating a prolonged exposure window where organizations remained susceptible to this particular class of attack.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the errata API endpoints. When authenticated users submit crafted data through the API interface, the system fails to properly escape or parameterize the input before incorporating it into SQL query structures. This incomplete input handling creates an environment where attacker-controlled data can be interpreted as part of the SQL command rather than as literal values, leading to unauthorized database access patterns. The vulnerability specifically manifests when processing errata-related information, which typically contains sensitive metadata about system updates, security patches, and vulnerability assessments that organizations rely upon for maintaining their security posture.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data leakage, as the exposure of internal database IDs provides attackers with crucial information that can facilitate subsequent attack phases. These internal identifiers often serve as references for system components, user accounts, and resource allocations that can be exploited to craft more sophisticated attacks. The leakage of such information creates a reconnaissance advantage for attackers who can then use these identifiers to target specific system components or to build more convincing social engineering campaigns. Organizations operating vulnerable versions face significant risk of data compromise, system integrity violations, and potential escalation of privileges through the exploitation of this vulnerability.
This vulnerability represents a regression or incomplete remediation issue related to CVE-2016-3072, indicating that previous efforts to address SQL injection concerns were insufficient or improperly implemented. The persistence of such flaws in security systems demonstrates the complexity of ensuring complete input validation across all application interfaces and the importance of thorough testing procedures. From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-89 which specifically addresses SQL injection weaknesses in software applications. The attack pattern associated with this vulnerability maps to ATT&CK technique T1071.004 which covers application layer protocol manipulation, and T1046 which involves network service scanning that can lead to the identification of vulnerable API endpoints. Organizations should prioritize immediate remediation through version updates to katello 3.11 or later, implement comprehensive input validation measures, and establish monitoring procedures to detect anomalous API usage patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts.