CVE-2018-8953 in Workload Automation AE
Summary
by MITRE
CA Workload Automation AE before r11.3.6 SP7 allows remote attackers to a perform SQL injection via a crafted HTTP request.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/20/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-8953 affects CA Workload Automation AE versions prior to r11.3.6 SP7, representing a critical security flaw that exposes the system to remote SQL injection attacks. This vulnerability resides within the web interface component of the automation platform, specifically in how the application processes HTTP requests containing user-supplied input. The flaw enables malicious actors to inject arbitrary SQL commands into the backend database through carefully crafted HTTP requests, potentially compromising the entire automation infrastructure.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the web application layer. When the CA Workload Automation AE system receives HTTP requests containing unvalidated user input, it directly incorporates this data into SQL query constructions without proper escaping or parameterization. This primitive approach to data handling creates an exploitable path where attackers can manipulate the SQL execution flow by injecting malicious SQL syntax into the request parameters. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws in software applications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive workload automation data. Attackers could potentially extract confidential information from the database, modify or delete critical automation jobs, escalate privileges within the system, or even use the compromised platform as a pivot point for further attacks within the enterprise network. The remote nature of the exploit means that attackers do not require physical access or local network presence, making the vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where the automation platform is exposed to external networks.
Organizations utilizing affected versions of CA Workload Automation AE should immediately implement mitigations including applying the vendor-provided security patches and updates, implementing network segmentation to limit access to the affected system, and conducting thorough security assessments of their automation infrastructure. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under the T1190 technique for exploitation of remote services, while the CWE classification of 89 emphasizes the fundamental nature of SQL injection as a persistent threat in web applications. Additional protective measures include implementing web application firewalls, conducting regular input validation testing, and establishing proper database access controls to limit the potential impact of any successful exploitation attempts.