CVE-2019-4147 in Sterling File Gateway
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Sterling File Gateway 2.2.0.0 through 6.0.1.0 is vulnerable to SQL injection. A remote attacker could send specially-crafted SQL statements, which could allow the attacker to view, add, modify or delete information in the back-end database. IBM X-Force ID: 158413.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/25/2023
IBM Sterling File Gateway versions 2.2.0.0 through 6.0.1.0 contain a critical SQL injection vulnerability that exposes the backend database to unauthorized access. This vulnerability falls under CWE-89 which specifically addresses improper neutralization of special elements used in SQL commands. The flaw occurs when the application fails to properly sanitize user input before incorporating it into database queries, allowing malicious actors to inject arbitrary SQL commands through crafted requests. Attackers can exploit this weakness remotely without requiring authentication, making it particularly dangerous in networked environments where the gateway interfaces with external systems.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft to encompass complete database compromise. An attacker could execute SELECT statements to extract sensitive information including user credentials, file transfer details, and system configurations. Additionally, the vulnerability enables INSERT operations that allow attackers to add malicious entries to database tables, UPDATE commands that modify existing records to alter system behavior, and DELETE operations that could destroy critical data or disrupt service availability. This comprehensive access capability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.005 for application layer protocol tunneling and T1566.001 for spearphishing via social media, as attackers could use the compromised gateway to establish persistent access points.
The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal technical skill and can be automated using standard penetration testing tools, making it attractive to both skilled attackers and script kiddies. IBM's security advisory indicates that the issue affects all versions within the specified range, suggesting a widespread impact across deployed instances. The attack vector typically involves manipulating input fields in the gateway's web interface or API endpoints where user-supplied data is directly incorporated into SQL queries without adequate sanitization. This represents a fundamental failure in input validation and output encoding practices that should be addressed through proper parameterized queries and input sanitization mechanisms.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including applying the latest security patches from IBM, implementing network segmentation to limit access to the gateway components, and deploying web application firewalls to detect and block malicious SQL injection attempts. Database access controls should be reviewed to ensure least privilege principles are enforced, and all database connections should be configured to use parameterized queries rather than dynamic SQL construction. Regular security assessments including automated scanning and manual penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in related systems. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure coding practices and input validation as outlined in OWASP Top Ten Project category A03:2021 - Injection, which specifically addresses SQL injection and related vulnerabilities. Organizations should also consider implementing database activity monitoring solutions to detect anomalous SQL execution patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts.