CVE-2018-6230 in Email Encryption Gateway
Summary
by MITRE
A SQL injection vulnerability in an Trend Micro Email Encryption Gateway 5.5 search configuration script could allow an attacker to execute SQL commands to upload and execute arbitrary code that may harm the target system.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/19/2024
The CVE-2018-6230 vulnerability represents a critical SQL injection flaw discovered in Trend Micro Email Encryption Gateway version 5.5, specifically within its search configuration script. This vulnerability resides in the email encryption gateway's web interface where user input is improperly sanitized before being incorporated into database queries. The flaw allows malicious actors to inject arbitrary SQL commands through carefully crafted input parameters, potentially compromising the entire email encryption infrastructure. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it enables attackers to escalate privileges and execute arbitrary code on the target system, making it a severe threat to enterprise email security environments.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows the classic SQL injection attack pattern where input validation fails to properly escape special characters in user-supplied data. The search configuration script processes user input without adequate sanitization, allowing attackers to manipulate database queries through malicious payloads. When the application constructs SQL statements using unsanitized input, it creates opportunities for attackers to inject additional SQL commands that can modify database contents, extract sensitive information, or even execute operating system commands. This type of vulnerability is classified under CWE-89 as SQL injection, which represents one of the most prevalent and dangerous web application security flaws in the industry.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-6230 extends beyond simple data compromise, as it provides attackers with the capability to upload and execute arbitrary code on the affected system. This remote code execution vulnerability enables attackers to gain full control over the email encryption gateway, potentially allowing them to intercept encrypted emails, modify encryption policies, or establish persistent backdoors within the enterprise network. The vulnerability affects organizations that rely on Trend Micro Email Encryption Gateway for securing their email communications, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to compromise sensitive corporate email data. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1071.004 for Application Layer Protocol: DNS and T1059.001 for Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell, as attackers can leverage the compromised system to execute further malicious activities.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the vendor-provided security patches released for Trend Micro Email Encryption Gateway 5.5, implementing web application firewalls to detect and block SQL injection attempts, and conducting thorough input validation across all user-facing interfaces. Network segmentation and privilege separation can help limit the potential damage from successful exploitation, while regular security assessments and penetration testing can identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the email infrastructure. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input sanitization and output encoding in web applications, aligning with security best practices outlined in OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines. Additionally, implementing database access controls and monitoring for unusual database activities can help detect exploitation attempts and provide early warning of potential compromise.