CVE-2018-14874 in FT Intellect Core Banking
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered in the Armor module in Polaris FT Intellect Core Banking 9.7.1. Input passed through the code parameter in three pages as collaterals/colexe3t.jsp and /references/refsuppu.jsp and /references/refbranu.jsp is mishandled before being used in SQL queries, allowing SQL injection with an authenticated session.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/11/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-14874 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the Armor module of Polaris FT Intellect Core Banking version 9.7.1. This security weakness resides in the handling of user input through the code parameter across three specific web pages including collaterals/colexe3t.jsp, references/refsuppu.jsp, and references/refbranu.jsp. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic improper input validation issue that allows authenticated attackers to manipulate database queries through maliciously crafted input. The affected application architecture fails to properly sanitize or escape user-supplied data before incorporating it into SQL execution contexts, creating an exploitable pathway for database manipulation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's failure to implement proper input validation and parameterized query construction. When authenticated users submit data through the code parameter in the specified.jsp files, the system processes this input without adequate sanitization measures. This flaw directly aligns with CWE-89 which categorizes SQL injection vulnerabilities as a result of inadequate input handling in database operations. The vulnerability requires an authenticated session to exploit, indicating that the application's access controls are properly functioning but the input validation mechanisms are insufficient to prevent malicious data processing even within legitimate user contexts.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft or modification. An authenticated attacker could potentially extract sensitive customer information, modify banking records, or even escalate privileges within the application's database layer. The implications for financial institutions are severe as this vulnerability could compromise core banking operations and customer data integrity. The affected pages suggest this vulnerability spans multiple functional areas of the banking application including collateral management and reference data handling, indicating a broad attack surface. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to financial data, manipulate transaction records, or potentially disrupt core banking services through database manipulation.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability should focus on implementing robust input validation and parameterized query construction across all affected application components. The recommended approach involves converting all dynamic SQL queries to use parameterized or prepared statements that separate user input from SQL command structure. Additionally, implementing proper input sanitization routines and output encoding mechanisms will prevent malicious data from being processed as executable SQL code. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts. The remediation process must include comprehensive code review of all database interaction points and implementation of automated input validation frameworks. Regular security testing including dynamic application security testing and penetration testing should be conducted to ensure similar vulnerabilities are not present in other application modules. This vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining strict input validation practices and adheres to ATT&CK technique T1071.004 which involves application layer protocol manipulation, specifically targeting database interaction points where improper input handling creates exploitable conditions.