CVE-2018-7768 in U.motion Builder
Summary
by MITRE
The vulnerability exists within processing of loadtemplate.php in Schneider Electric U.motion Builder software versions prior to v1.3.4. The underlying SQLite database query is subject to SQL injection on the tpl input parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/24/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-7768 affects Schneider Electric U.motion Builder software versions prior to v1.3.4, specifically within the loadtemplate.php component. This represents a critical security flaw that exposes the application to unauthorized data access and potential system compromise. The affected software is widely used in industrial automation environments for creating and managing motion control applications, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for operational technology infrastructure. The vulnerability resides in the processing logic that handles template loading operations, where user-supplied input is not properly sanitized before being incorporated into database queries.
The technical flaw manifests as a SQL injection vulnerability in the tpl input parameter of the loadtemplate.php script. This occurs when the application directly incorporates user-provided data into SQLite database queries without adequate input validation or parameterization. Attackers can exploit this by crafting malicious input that alters the intended database query structure, potentially allowing them to extract sensitive information from the database, modify existing records, or even execute arbitrary commands. The vulnerability falls under CWE-89 which categorizes SQL injection flaws as weaknesses in software that allows attackers to manipulate database queries through untrusted input. This type of injection vulnerability is particularly dangerous in industrial control systems where database integrity directly impacts operational safety and system functionality.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it could enable attackers to gain unauthorized access to critical industrial control system configurations and operational parameters. In industrial environments, this could potentially lead to system disruption, data corruption, or even physical safety risks if control parameters are modified. The vulnerability affects the integrity of the U.motion Builder application's template management system, which is fundamental to how motion control applications are developed and deployed. Organizations using affected versions may experience unauthorized access to proprietary control logic, system configuration details, and potentially sensitive operational data that could be used for further targeting or system disruption. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that industrial automation systems often operate in isolated networks with limited security monitoring capabilities.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-7768 should prioritize immediate software updates to version 1.3.4 or later, which contain the necessary patches to address the SQL injection vulnerability. Organizations should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of the affected system to untrusted networks. Input validation measures should be strengthened at the application level to ensure all user-supplied parameters are properly sanitized before database processing. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual database query patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and adhering to the principle of least privilege in industrial control systems. Organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments of their industrial control infrastructure and implement regular security updates to protect against similar threats. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 which involves exploiting vulnerabilities in software to gain unauthorized access, emphasizing the need for proactive vulnerability management in operational technology environments.