CVE-2020-4647 in Sterling File Gateway
Summary
by MITRE • 11/16/2020
IBM Sterling File Gateway 2.2.0.0 through 2.2.6.5 and 6.0.0.0 through 6.0.3.2 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.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/08/2020
IBM Sterling File Gateway contains a critical sql injection vulnerability that affects versions 2.2.0.0 through 2.2.6.5 and 6.0.0.0 through 6.0.3.2. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the application's database interaction layers, allowing malicious actors to inject arbitrary sql commands through specially crafted requests. The flaw resides in the application's handling of user-supplied data that is directly incorporated into sql queries without proper parameterization or escaping mechanisms. This represents a classic sql injection vulnerability categorized under cwe-89 which is a well-documented weakness in software applications where sql commands are constructed using untrusted input without proper validation or sanitization. The vulnerability enables remote attackers to execute unauthorized database operations by manipulating input fields that are processed by the backend database systems. Attackers can leverage this weakness to extract sensitive data from the database including user credentials, file transfer records, and configuration information. The impact extends beyond simple data theft as attackers can also modify or delete database entries, potentially disrupting file transfer operations and compromising the integrity of the entire file gateway infrastructure. This vulnerability directly maps to several techniques described in the attack tactics and techniques framework including t1068 privilege escalation through database access and t1190 exploitation of remote services. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that the vulnerability exists in a file transfer gateway system that typically handles sensitive business data and requires persistent access to backend systems. Organizations utilizing affected versions of IBM Sterling File Gateway face significant risk of unauthorized data access and potential system compromise. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers can target the system from outside the network perimeter without requiring local access or credentials. This makes the system particularly vulnerable to automated scanning and exploitation attempts. The database access provided by this vulnerability could enable attackers to escalate privileges and gain deeper access to the underlying infrastructure. Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including input validation, parameterized queries, and application firewalls to prevent exploitation. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of regular security assessments and patch management processes to prevent similar issues in other components of the file transfer ecosystem. Proper application security testing including sql injection vulnerability scanning should be integrated into development and deployment cycles to identify such flaws before they can be exploited by malicious actors. This incident underscores the critical need for robust database security practices and demonstrates how seemingly isolated vulnerabilities in middleware applications can lead to widespread system compromise. The remediation process should include immediate patching of affected systems, implementation of web application firewalls, and comprehensive security auditing of database access patterns to prevent unauthorized data manipulation.