CVE-2019-12918 in KACE Systems Management Appliance Server Center
Summary
by MITRE
Quest KACE Systems Management Appliance Server Center version 9.1.317 is vulnerable to SQL injection. The affected file is software_library.php and affected parameters are order[0][column] and order[0][dir].
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/05/2024
The Quest KACE Systems Management Appliance Server Center represents a comprehensive IT management platform that enables organizations to manage endpoints, software deployments, and system configurations across enterprise environments. This appliance serves as a central hub for system administrators to maintain inventory, deploy software, and monitor network resources. The vulnerability identified in version 9.1.317 affects the software library functionality within this management interface, specifically targeting the software_library.php component that handles user requests for software catalog data. The affected parameters order[0][column] and order[0][dir] are utilized to control the sorting behavior of software listings, making this a classic SQL injection vulnerability that could allow attackers to manipulate database queries through crafted input parameters.
This SQL injection vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the software_library.php file where user-supplied data is directly incorporated into database queries without proper escaping or parameterization. The order[0][column] parameter controls which database column is used for sorting, while order[0][dir] determines the sort direction, creating an ideal attack vector where malicious actors can inject SQL payloads to manipulate the underlying database operations. The vulnerability classifies under CWE-89 SQL Injection, which is one of the most critical web application security flaws according to the CWE catalog, as it allows attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands against the database. This particular implementation follows ATT&CK technique T1071.004 Application Layer Protocol: DNS where attackers may leverage SQL injection to establish persistence and escalate privileges within the database environment.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data manipulation as it provides attackers with potential access to sensitive system information including software inventory data, user credentials, and potentially administrative access to the entire management appliance. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability to extract confidential data from the database, modify software catalog entries, or even gain unauthorized access to underlying system resources. The vulnerability affects organizations that rely on the KACE appliance for critical system management functions, potentially compromising their entire endpoint management infrastructure. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that this vulnerability exists in the web interface that system administrators frequently use for routine operations, making it a prime target for exploitation. Organizations with extensive deployments of the KACE appliance may face significant operational disruption if this vulnerability is exploited, as it could lead to unauthorized software deployments, compromised inventory data, or complete loss of management capabilities.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate application of the vendor-provided security patch or upgrade to a version that addresses the SQL injection flaw. System administrators should implement input validation measures at the application level to sanitize all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in database queries. Network segmentation and access controls should be enforced to limit exposure of the management interface to authorized personnel only. Regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the management infrastructure. Additionally, database query parameterization should be enforced throughout the application codebase to prevent similar issues from occurring in other modules. Organizations should also consider implementing database activity monitoring and intrusion detection systems to identify potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and secure coding practices in enterprise management platforms, aligning with security frameworks that emphasize defense-in-depth strategies to protect critical infrastructure components from sophisticated attack vectors.