CVE-2018-5443 in WebAccess SCADA
Summary
by MITRE
A SQL Injection issue was discovered in Advantech WebAccess/SCADA versions prior to V8.2_20170817. WebAccess/SCADA does not properly sanitize its inputs for SQL commands.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/27/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-5443 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within Advantech WebAccess/SCADA software versions prior to V8.2_20170817. This issue stems from inadequate input sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly validate and cleanse user-supplied data before incorporating it into SQL command executions. The vulnerability exists within industrial control systems that manage critical infrastructure operations, making it particularly dangerous in operational technology environments where system integrity and availability are paramount.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts malicious input that gets directly embedded into SQL queries without proper sanitization. This allows unauthorized users to manipulate database queries and potentially execute arbitrary SQL commands against the underlying database system. The flaw specifically affects the input handling mechanisms within the WebAccess/SCADA interface, where user credentials, configuration parameters, or operational data inputs are processed without adequate validation. According to CWE classification, this represents a CWE-89: SQL Injection vulnerability that enables attackers to bypass authentication, extract sensitive data, modify database contents, or even execute operating system commands on the affected system.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-5443 extends beyond typical database security concerns to encompass critical infrastructure risks within industrial environments. WebAccess/SCADA systems are commonly deployed in manufacturing facilities, energy grids, water treatment plants, and other critical infrastructure sectors where unauthorized access could lead to production disruptions, safety hazards, or data breaches. The vulnerability allows attackers to potentially gain administrative privileges within the SCADA environment, enabling them to manipulate industrial processes, access sensitive operational data, or disrupt critical manufacturing operations. This risk is particularly elevated in environments where SCADA systems control physical processes, as database compromise can translate directly into operational technology failures.
Organizations utilizing affected Advantech WebAccess/SCADA systems should prioritize immediate remediation through the application of vendor-provided patches and updates. The recommended mitigation strategy involves upgrading to WebAccess/SCADA version V8.2_20170817 or later, which incorporates proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms. Network segmentation should be implemented to limit access to SCADA systems, while strict access controls and authentication mechanisms should be enforced to minimize potential attack surfaces. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous database access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving credential access and execution of malicious code within industrial control systems, emphasizing the need for comprehensive security controls that address both traditional cybersecurity threats and operational technology-specific risks.