CVE-2018-16116 in XG Firewall
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in AccountStatus.jsp in Admin Portal of Sophos XG firewall 17.0.8 MR-8 allow remote authenticated attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the "username" GET parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/26/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-16116 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the Sophos XG firewall's admin portal interface. This security weakness exists in the AccountStatus.jsp component of the web administration interface, specifically affecting version 17.0.8 MR-8 of the Sophos XG firewall software. The vulnerability manifests when the application processes the "username" parameter through a GET request without proper input sanitization or parameterized query construction, creating an avenue for malicious exploitation by authenticated users who possess valid credentials to access the admin portal.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of the username parameter in the AccountStatus.jsp web page, allowing an authenticated attacker to inject malicious sql commands into the backend database query execution process. This flaw stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization practices within the web application layer, where user-supplied data flows directly into sql statement construction without proper escaping or parameterization mechanisms. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-89 which categorizes sql injection as a fundamental weakness in software applications where untrusted data is incorporated into sql queries without adequate protection measures.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft or modification, as it enables remote authenticated attackers to execute arbitrary sql commands against the underlying database system. This capability allows for complete database compromise, including but not limited to data exfiltration, unauthorized user account creation, privilege escalation, and potential lateral movement within the network infrastructure. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to gain deeper access to the firewall's administrative functions, potentially leading to complete system compromise and unauthorized network access. The attack vector requires only authentication to the admin portal, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by insiders or compromised legitimate users.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate patch application from Sophos, as the vendor would have released a security update addressing the sql injection flaw. Organizations should implement additional defensive measures including network segmentation of the admin portal, strict access controls, monitoring of unusual database activity, and regular security assessments of web applications. The implementation of web application firewalls and input validation controls can provide additional layers of protection against similar vulnerabilities. From an att&ck framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving command and control communications and privilege escalation, while the use of authenticated access aligns with initial access and persistence tactics. Regular security training for administrators and implementation of principle of least privilege access controls can help reduce the attack surface and limit potential exploitation impact.