CVE-2018-1699 in Maximo Asset Management
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Maximo Asset Management 7.6 through 7.6.3 is vulnerable to SQL injection. A remote attacker could send specially-crafted SQL statements, which could allow the attacker to view, add, modify or delete information in the back-end database. IBM X-Force ID: 145968.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/04/2023
IBM Maximo Asset Management version 7.6 through 7.6.3 contains a critical SQL injection vulnerability that exposes the backend database to unauthorized access. This vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the application's database interaction layers, allowing malicious actors to inject arbitrary SQL commands through carefully crafted requests. The flaw exists in the application's handling of user-supplied input that is directly incorporated into SQL query construction without proper parameterization or escaping mechanisms. Attackers can exploit this weakness to execute unauthorized database operations including data retrieval, modification, insertion, and deletion across the entire database infrastructure. The vulnerability affects the core asset management functionality where database queries are constructed dynamically based on user inputs, creating a pathway for attackers to bypass authentication mechanisms and directly manipulate backend data stores. This SQL injection vulnerability aligns with CWE-89, which specifically addresses improper neutralization of special elements used in SQL commands, and represents a fundamental breakdown in the principle of least privilege and input validation. The attack vector is remote and does not require authentication to the application itself, making it particularly dangerous as attackers can target the system from external networks. The IBM X-Force ID 145968 confirms the severity and provides additional context for threat actors who may be actively exploiting this vulnerability. Organizations using this version of Maximo Asset Management face significant risk of data breaches, information disclosure, and potential system compromise. The operational impact includes unauthorized access to sensitive asset management data, disruption of business operations, and potential regulatory compliance violations. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to extract confidential information such as asset records, maintenance schedules, vendor data, and user credentials stored within the database. The attack surface extends to all database operations that accept user input, including search functions, reporting modules, and administrative interfaces where database queries are constructed dynamically. This vulnerability directly impacts the CIA triad by compromising confidentiality through unauthorized data access, integrity through potential data modification or deletion, and availability through possible database corruption or denial of service scenarios. The flaw demonstrates a classic lack of proper database abstraction and parameterized query usage, which are fundamental security practices recommended by OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity frameworks. Organizations should immediately implement patches provided by IBM and consider network segmentation to limit exposure. Additional mitigations include implementing web application firewalls, database activity monitoring, and conducting thorough input validation at multiple layers of the application architecture. The vulnerability also relates to ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol usage and T1046 for network service discovery, as attackers may use this vulnerability to map the database structure and identify additional attack vectors within the network infrastructure.