CVE-2024-1301 in Monitool
Summary
by MITRE • 03/12/2024
SQL injection vulnerability in Badger Meter Monitool affecting versions 4.6.3 and earlier. A remote attacker could send a specially crafted SQL query to the server via the j_username parameter and retrieve the information stored in the database.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/12/2024
The CVE-2024-1301 vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw within Badger Meter Monitool software versions 4.6.3 and earlier, presenting a significant security risk to industrial metering systems. This vulnerability specifically targets the authentication mechanism of the application through the j_username parameter, which serves as an entry point for malicious actors to exploit the underlying database infrastructure. The flaw allows remote attackers to craft malicious sql queries that bypass normal authentication procedures and directly access sensitive data stored within the database. The impact extends beyond simple unauthorized access as it provides attackers with the capability to extract confidential information from the system's backend database, potentially compromising operational integrity and data confidentiality.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows standard sql injection attack patterns where the j_username parameter fails to properly sanitize user input before processing. When an attacker submits malicious input through this parameter, the application does not adequately validate or escape special sql characters, allowing the injected sql commands to execute within the database context. This type of vulnerability falls under the common weakness enumeration CWE-89 which specifically addresses sql injection flaws in software applications. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it requires no local access or elevated privileges, making it accessible to any remote attacker who can reach the affected system. The vulnerability demonstrates poor input validation practices and inadequate parameterized query implementation within the authentication module, creating a persistent security weakness that affects the entire user management system.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-1301 extends beyond immediate data theft to encompass potential system compromise and operational disruption within industrial metering environments. Badger Meter Monitool systems are commonly deployed in critical infrastructure settings including water and gas utilities where unauthorized access to meter data could enable attackers to manipulate billing information, disrupt service delivery, or gain insights into operational patterns that could be exploited for further attacks. The extracted database information may include user credentials, meter configurations, historical consumption data, and other sensitive operational parameters that could be leveraged for additional attacks or financial gain. This vulnerability particularly threatens industrial control systems where the integrity of metering data is crucial for proper system operation and regulatory compliance.
Organizations affected by CVE-2024-1301 should prioritize immediate remediation through official vendor patches or updates that address the sql injection vulnerability in the authentication module. The mitigation strategy should include implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries to prevent sql injection attacks, along with network segmentation to limit access to the affected application. Security teams should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify any additional systems that may be vulnerable to similar sql injection flaws, particularly in industrial control systems where such vulnerabilities can have cascading effects on operational technology networks. The implementation of web application firewalls and database activity monitoring solutions can provide additional layers of protection while the system is being patched. Organizations should also review their access controls and authentication mechanisms to ensure that the vulnerability cannot be exploited through other attack vectors, following the principle of least privilege and implementing multi-factor authentication for critical systems. This vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices and regular security assessments in industrial environments where the stakes of security breaches can extend far beyond traditional information technology concerns.