CVE-2023-42004 in Security Guardium
Summary
by MITRE • 11/28/2023
IBM Security Guardium 11.3, 11.4, and 11.5 is potentially vulnerable to CSV injection. A remote attacker could execute malicious commands due to improper validation of csv file contents. IBM X-Force ID: 265262.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/17/2023
IBM Security Guardium versions 11.3, 11.4, and 11.5 contain a critical vulnerability that exposes the system to CSV injection attacks through improper validation of comma-separated values file contents. This vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-1236, which specifically addresses the improper validation of input data in CSV file processing. The flaw allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands by manipulating CSV data that is processed by the Guardium system, creating a significant security risk for organizations relying on this database activity monitoring solution. The vulnerability exists because the system fails to properly sanitize or validate user-supplied data within CSV files before processing, enabling attackers to inject malicious code that gets executed when the CSV data is parsed. This type of vulnerability represents a serious concern for database security monitoring systems, as it can potentially allow attackers to bypass security controls and execute unauthorized operations on the monitored database infrastructure.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple command execution, as it can enable attackers to gain unauthorized access to sensitive database information and potentially compromise the entire database monitoring ecosystem. When a remote attacker successfully exploits this CSV injection flaw, they can leverage the compromised Guardium system to monitor database activities, extract sensitive data, or even manipulate the monitoring processes themselves. This creates a dangerous scenario where the security tool designed to protect database environments becomes a vector for attacks against those same environments. The vulnerability affects the core functionality of Guardium's data processing capabilities, making it particularly concerning for organizations that depend on this system for compliance monitoring and security auditing. According to the MITRE ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving command execution and privilege escalation, as attackers can use the CSV injection to gain elevated privileges within the monitored database environment and potentially move laterally through the network.
Organizations utilizing IBM Security Guardium in versions 11.3, 11.4, or 11.5 should immediately implement mitigation strategies to protect against this CSV injection vulnerability. The primary recommendation involves applying the official IBM security patches and updates that address the improper validation of CSV file contents. Additionally, network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit the exposure of Guardium systems to untrusted networks or users. Organizations should also consider implementing input validation controls at multiple layers of their database security infrastructure to prevent malicious CSV data from reaching the vulnerable Guardium components. Monitoring for unusual CSV file processing activities and implementing automated alerts for potential injection attempts can help detect exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation in security tools, as even protective systems can become attack vectors when they fail to properly sanitize user inputs. Organizations should also conduct thorough security assessments of their database monitoring infrastructure to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components that may process user-supplied data. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing to ensure that the applied patches do not disrupt existing Guardium functionality while effectively addressing the CSV injection vulnerability that could otherwise allow attackers to compromise database security monitoring capabilities.