CVE-2020-4902 in Datacap Taskmaster Capture
Summary
by MITRE • 07/01/2021
IBM Datacap Taskmaster Capture (IBM Datacap Navigator 9.1.7) 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: 191045.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/09/2021
IBM Datacap Taskmaster Capture version 9.1.7 contains a critical SQL injection vulnerability that exposes the system to remote exploitation by malicious actors. This vulnerability resides within the IBM Datacap Navigator component and represents a fundamental flaw in input validation and query construction processes. The vulnerability allows attackers to manipulate database queries through crafted input parameters, potentially gaining unauthorized access to sensitive information stored within the backend database infrastructure.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient sanitization of user-supplied input before incorporating it into SQL query strings. When the application processes user requests, it fails to properly escape or parameterize input values, creating opportunities for attackers to inject malicious SQL code. This flaw operates at the application layer and can be exploited through web interfaces or API endpoints that handle user input, making it particularly dangerous as it requires no local system access or elevated privileges. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-89 which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws in software applications and represents a classic example of improper input validation in database interactions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data exposure, as it provides attackers with full database manipulation capabilities. Successful exploitation could result in complete data compromise including customer information, business records, and potentially system credentials. Attackers could extract sensitive data through UNION-based queries, modify existing records to corrupt business processes, or delete critical information to disrupt operations. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of the entire Datacap system, potentially compromising business continuity and regulatory compliance requirements. Organizations using this software face significant risk of data breaches and operational disruption.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate application patching from IBM as the primary defense mechanism, combined with network-level protections such as web application firewalls and database access controls. Input validation should be strengthened through parameterized queries and prepared statements to prevent SQL injection attacks. Network segmentation and principle of least privilege access controls can limit the potential damage from successful exploitation. Regular security assessments and database monitoring should be implemented to detect anomalous access patterns. Organizations should also consider implementing database activity monitoring tools to track and alert on suspicious SQL queries. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining current security patches and following secure coding practices as outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a database access technique that can be leveraged for data extraction and lateral movement within compromised environments.