CVE-2023-52335 in iView
Summary
by MITRE • 11/23/2024
Advantech iView ConfigurationServlet SQL Injection Information Disclosure Vulnerability. This vulnerability allows remote attackers to disclose sensitive information on affected installations of Advantech iView. Authentication is not required to exploit this vulnerability.
The specific flaw exists within the ConfigurationServlet servlet, which listens on TCP port 8080 by default. When parsing the column_value element, the process does not properly validate a user-supplied string before using it to construct SQL queries. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to disclose stored credentials, leading to further compromise. Was ZDI-CAN-17863.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/09/2025
The CVE-2023-52335 vulnerability represents a critical SQL injection flaw within Advantech iView's ConfigurationServlet component that operates on the default TCP port 8080. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-89 category of SQL Injection, where improper input validation allows malicious actors to manipulate database queries through crafted user-supplied strings. The affected servlet processes the column_value element without adequate sanitization or validation, creating an exploitable pathway for remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands against the underlying database system. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it does not require authentication for exploitation, making it accessible to any attacker who can reach the target system through the network.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the ConfigurationServlet's failure to properly sanitize user input before incorporating it into SQL query construction. When the servlet processes the column_value parameter, it directly incorporates this data into database queries without appropriate parameterization or input filtering mechanisms. This design flaw enables attackers to inject malicious SQL payloads that can manipulate the database operations to retrieve unauthorized information. The vulnerability specifically targets the database layer where stored credentials are likely stored, making it possible for attackers to extract sensitive authentication data that could then be used for further system compromise. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a Database Enumeration technique under the Credential Access phase, where attackers seek to extract credentials from database systems.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the extraction of stored credentials provides attackers with persistent access to the system. Once credentials are obtained, attackers can leverage them to perform additional attacks including privilege escalation, lateral movement within the network, and potentially full system compromise. The default listening port 8080 makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it is often exposed to external networks without proper firewall restrictions. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1212 which describes exploitation of software vulnerabilities to access credentials, and T1566 which covers the initial compromise through network services. Organizations running Advantech iView systems are at significant risk as this vulnerability can be exploited remotely without any authentication requirements, potentially allowing attackers to gain unauthorized access to critical infrastructure monitoring systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-52335 should focus on immediate patching of the affected software components, along with network-level controls to restrict access to port 8080. Organizations should implement proper input validation and parameterized queries to prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in the future. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by limiting network access to the affected service and implementing network segmentation to contain potential compromise. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar issues in other network services. Additionally, monitoring for unusual database access patterns and implementing database activity monitoring tools can help detect exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of following secure coding practices and adhering to OWASP Top Ten security guidelines, particularly those addressing input validation and database security. Organizations should also consider implementing Web Application Firewalls to provide additional protection against SQL injection attacks targeting web applications.