CVE-2018-15447 in Integrated Management Controller
Summary
by MITRE
A vulnerability in the web framework code of Cisco Integrated Management Controller (IMC) Supervisor could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to execute arbitrary SQL queries. The vulnerability is due to a lack of proper validation of user-supplied input in SQL queries. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by sending crafted URLs that contain malicious SQL statements to the affected application.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/05/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-15447 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within Cisco Integrated Management Controller IMC Supervisor web framework components. This weakness stems from insufficient input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize user-supplied data before incorporating it into SQL query constructions. The vulnerability exists in the web application layer of the IMC Supervisor, which serves as the management interface for Cisco servers and infrastructure devices. Attackers can exploit this flaw through crafted HTTP requests containing malicious SQL payloads that bypass normal input sanitization processes, allowing unauthorized execution of arbitrary database commands.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of URL parameters that are directly used in SQL query building operations. When the web framework processes these parameters, it fails to implement proper parameterization or input filtering mechanisms, creating an environment where malicious SQL code can be injected and executed within the database context. This type of vulnerability maps directly to CWE-89 which defines SQL injection as the insertion of malicious SQL statements into input data that is then processed by a database. The attack vector specifically targets the application's input handling routines where user-supplied URL parameters are consumed without adequate validation or sanitization.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with complete database access capabilities. An unauthenticated remote attacker can leverage this weakness to execute arbitrary SQL commands, potentially gaining access to sensitive configuration data, user credentials, system logs, and other confidential information stored within the IMC database. The implications are particularly severe for enterprise environments where the IMC Supervisor manages critical infrastructure components, as successful exploitation could lead to full system compromise and unauthorized administrative access. This vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 which describes application layer protocol manipulation, specifically targeting web application vulnerabilities for unauthorized access.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-15447 require immediate implementation of proper input validation and parameterized query construction throughout the affected web framework components. Organizations should deploy web application firewalls to detect and block malicious SQL injection attempts, while also implementing strict input filtering and sanitization routines that prevent special characters from being processed as SQL commands. Cisco has released patches addressing this vulnerability in subsequent software releases, and system administrators should prioritize upgrading to versions containing the necessary fixes. Network segmentation and access control measures can provide additional defense-in-depth protection, while regular security assessments and penetration testing help identify similar vulnerabilities in other application components. The remediation process should include comprehensive code reviews focusing on SQL query construction patterns and input validation mechanisms to prevent similar weaknesses from emerging in future development cycles.