CVE-2019-1313 in SQL Server Management Studio
Summary
by MITRE
An information disclosure vulnerability exists in Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) when it improperly enforces permissions, aka 'SQL Server Management Studio Information Disclosure Vulnerability'. This CVE ID is unique from CVE-2019-1376.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/26/2020
The vulnerability described in CVE-2019-1313 represents a critical information disclosure flaw within Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio, a widely used database administration tool that serves as the primary interface for database administrators and developers to manage sql server instances. This vulnerability specifically manifests when SSMS fails to properly enforce access controls and permission boundaries, creating a scenario where unauthorized users or processes can potentially access sensitive database information that should be restricted based on user privileges and security contexts.
The technical implementation of this flaw involves SSMS's inadequate validation of user permissions when accessing database objects, metadata, or configuration information. When a user with limited privileges attempts to access certain database resources, the tool should enforce strict permission checks to prevent unauthorized data exposure. However, due to this vulnerability, SSMS may bypass these security mechanisms, allowing users to retrieve information about database structures, user accounts, system configurations, or other sensitive data that they should not have access to based on their assigned roles and permissions. This improper enforcement of access controls creates a path for privilege escalation and information gathering attacks that can significantly impact database security posture.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data exposure, as it can enable attackers to gather intelligence about database architecture, identify potential attack vectors, and map out system configurations that could be leveraged in subsequent attacks. Database administrators and security professionals may find that their access control policies are being circumvented, leading to potential data breaches, compliance violations, and increased attack surface. The vulnerability particularly affects environments where multiple users access the same SSMS instance and where strict segregation of duties is required for security compliance, making it a significant concern for organizations operating under regulatory frameworks such as pci dss, hipaa, or soc 2 requirements.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the relevant microsoft security updates and patches that address this specific permission enforcement flaw in SSMS. Additionally, implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit direct access to SSMS installations can reduce the attack surface. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual access patterns or attempts to access restricted database information through SSMS. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which describes improper access control issues in software applications, and may be exploited using techniques from the attack tactic TA0006 (credential access) within the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly focusing on methods that involve bypassing access controls to gain unauthorized information access. Regular security assessments and privilege reviews should be conducted to ensure that the vulnerability has been properly remediated and that no residual access control issues remain in the database environment.