CVE-2023-22378 in Guardian
Summary
by MITRE • 08/09/2023
A blind SQL Injection vulnerability in Nozomi Networks Guardian and CMC, due to improper input validation in the sorting parameter, allows an authenticated attacker to execute arbitrary SQL queries on the DBMS used by the web application.
Authenticated users can extract arbitrary information from the DBMS in an uncontrolled way.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/20/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-22378 represents a critical blind sql injection flaw affecting Nozomi Networks Guardian and CMC systems. This security weakness stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the web application's sorting functionality, creating an exploitable pathway for authenticated attackers to manipulate database queries. The vulnerability specifically targets the sorting parameter implementation, which fails to properly sanitize user-supplied input before incorporating it into sql commands executed against the backend database management system. Such improper input handling creates a direct avenue for malicious exploitation where attacker-controlled data can be seamlessly integrated into database operations without appropriate security controls.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability places the system at risk through the manipulation of sorting parameters that are typically used to organize and present data within web interfaces. When authenticated users submit crafted input through these sorting mechanisms, the application processes the malicious payload without adequate validation, allowing the attacker to construct and execute arbitrary sql commands against the underlying database. This blind sql injection scenario means that the attacker cannot directly observe query results through the web interface, but can still extract information through indirect methods such as time-based responses or error message analysis. The vulnerability's classification aligns with common weakness enumeration CWE-89, which specifically addresses sql injection flaws in software applications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data extraction capabilities to encompass potential system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive information. Authenticated attackers can leverage this vulnerability to access confidential data stored within the database, potentially including user credentials, system configurations, and operational information. The uncontrolled nature of information extraction means that attackers can systematically probe database structures and retrieve substantial amounts of data without detection, creating a significant risk for organizations relying on these security systems for network monitoring and protection. This vulnerability particularly affects environments where Nozomi Networks Guardian and CMC are deployed for industrial control system monitoring, where the exposed data could include critical infrastructure information.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-22378 should prioritize immediate implementation of input validation and sanitization measures within the sorting parameter handling code. Organizations must ensure that all user-supplied input undergoes rigorous validation before being processed by database operations, implementing proper parameterized queries or prepared statements to prevent sql injection exploitation. Network segmentation and access controls should be strengthened to limit the scope of potential exploitation, while regular security assessments should verify that input validation mechanisms remain effective against evolving attack patterns. Additionally, monitoring and logging of database access patterns can help detect anomalous query behavior indicative of exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's characteristics align with tactics described in the attack technique matrix under ATT&CK T1071.004 for application layer protocol manipulation, emphasizing the need for comprehensive defensive measures that address both the immediate vulnerability and broader security posture considerations.