CVE-2023-1863 in Water Metering Software
Summary
by MITRE • 04/14/2023
Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command ('SQL Injection') vulnerability in Eskom Water Metering Software allows Command Line Execution through SQL Injection.This issue affects Water Metering Software: before 23.04.06.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/22/2026
The CVE-2023-1863 vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw in Eskom's Computer Water Metering Software that demonstrates the dangerous intersection of database manipulation and command execution capabilities. This vulnerability falls under the common weakness enumeration CWE-89 which specifically addresses improper neutralization of special elements used in sql commands. The flaw exists in software versions prior to 23.04.06 and creates a pathway for malicious actors to exploit the system through carefully crafted sql payloads that bypass normal input validation mechanisms.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the lack of proper input sanitization within the water metering software's database interaction layers. When user-supplied data is directly incorporated into sql queries without adequate escaping or parameterization, attackers can inject malicious sql code that manipulates the database operations. In this specific case, the vulnerability extends beyond simple data extraction to enable command line execution, indicating that the sql injection payload can potentially escalate to operating system level commands through database engine features or configuration weaknesses.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risk to water utility infrastructure and data integrity. The water metering system serves as a critical component in monitoring and managing water consumption across various facilities, making it a prime target for cyber attacks that could disrupt services or compromise sensitive operational data. The ability to execute command line operations through sql injection means attackers could potentially gain deeper system access, modify meter readings, or even cause system outages that would affect water distribution services. This vulnerability aligns with attack patterns documented in the attack technique TA0002 (execution) and TA0003 (persistence) within the ATT&CK framework.
The impact of this vulnerability extends beyond immediate system compromise to include potential data integrity issues and service disruption. Water metering data represents critical infrastructure information that could be manipulated to hide usage patterns, create false billing records, or disable monitoring capabilities. Organizations utilizing this software must consider the broader implications of sql injection attacks on industrial control systems and implement comprehensive security measures. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices and proper input validation in industrial software environments where system reliability and data accuracy are paramount for operational continuity and public safety.