CVE-2018-7772 in U.motion Builder
Summary
by MITRE
The vulnerability exists within processing of applets which are exposed on the web service in Schneider Electric U.motion Builder software versions prior to v1.3.4. The underlying SQLite database query to determine whether a user is logged in is subject to SQL injection on the loginSeed parameter, which can be embedded in the HTTP cookie of the request.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/24/2020
The vulnerability described in CVE-2018-7772 represents a critical security flaw within Schneider Electric U.motion Builder software versions prior to v1.3.4. This issue manifests in the web service component that processes applets exposed to external networks, creating an attack surface where malicious actors can exploit improper input validation mechanisms. The vulnerability specifically targets the authentication handling process where user session management relies on a SQLite database query to verify login status. The flaw occurs when the system processes the loginSeed parameter that is embedded within HTTP cookies, allowing attackers to manipulate this parameter and inject malicious SQL commands into the underlying database query structure.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate parameter sanitization within the web service layer of U.motion Builder. When users interact with the web-based applets, their session information is stored in HTTP cookies, with the loginSeed parameter serving as a critical component for authentication verification. The software fails to properly escape or validate user-supplied input before incorporating it into the SQLite database query execution. This omission creates a classic SQL injection vulnerability where attackers can craft malicious payloads that alter the intended query behavior. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the authentication layer, potentially allowing unauthorized access to user sessions and system resources.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it can enable attackers to escalate privileges and gain deeper system control. Successful exploitation allows threat actors to manipulate the SQLite database queries that manage user authentication, potentially enabling them to bypass login mechanisms entirely, access administrative functions, or extract sensitive user data. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires no specialized tools beyond standard web penetration testing frameworks, making it accessible to attackers with moderate technical skills. The vulnerability affects the entire user session management system, potentially compromising all authenticated users within the affected software environment.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-7772 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 to limit access to the affected web services, ensuring that only authorized personnel can interact with the vulnerable components. Input validation mechanisms should be strengthened at the application layer, with proper parameter sanitization and prepared statement usage to prevent SQL injection attacks. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous cookie values and unusual database query patterns. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-89 which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws, and represents a typical entry point for attackers following the ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploit public-facing application. Organizations should also conduct comprehensive security assessments to identify any other potential SQL injection vulnerabilities within their Schneider Electric installations and related systems.