CVE-2024-2646 in NS-ASG Application Security Gateway
Summary
by MITRE • 03/20/2024
A vulnerability classified as critical was found in Netentsec NS-ASG Application Security Gateway 6.3. This vulnerability affects unknown code of the file /vpnweb/index.php?para=index. The manipulation of the argument check_VirtualSiteId leads to sql injection. The attack can be initiated remotely. The exploit has been disclosed to the public and may be used. The identifier of this vulnerability is VDB-257284. NOTE: The vendor was contacted early about this disclosure but did not respond in any way.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/30/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-2646 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the Netentsec NS-ASG Application Security Gateway version 6.3. This security weakness resides in the vpnweb/index.php file where the check_VirtualSiteId parameter is processed without adequate input validation or sanitization. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of user-supplied data in the web application's backend database interactions, creating a pathway for malicious actors to manipulate database queries through crafted input values. The affected parameter check_VirtualSiteId is particularly susceptible because it directly influences the sql query execution flow without proper parameterization or input filtering mechanisms.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through remote attack vectors, meaning an attacker can initiate the malicious payload from outside the local network without requiring physical access or prior authentication. This remote exploit capability significantly amplifies the threat surface and makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in production environments where the application gateway serves as a critical security control. The sql injection vulnerability allows attackers to execute arbitrary database commands, potentially leading to unauthorized data access, data modification, or complete database compromise. The exploitation process typically involves crafting malicious input that bypasses normal input validation and injects additional sql commands into the existing query structure, which then executes with the privileges of the database user account.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft or corruption, as the Netentsec NS-ASG serves as an application security gateway that protects enterprise applications from various cyber threats. When compromised, this gateway can no longer provide its intended security functions, potentially allowing attackers to bypass other security controls and gain access to protected applications and data. The vulnerability affects the core functionality of the application by enabling attackers to manipulate the application's database interactions, which could result in unauthorized access to sensitive information, modification of security configurations, or even complete system compromise. Organizations relying on this security gateway for application protection face significant risk exposure, particularly in environments where the gateway handles authentication data, user credentials, or sensitive business information.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate patching of the affected Netentsec NS-ASG version 6.3, as the vendor has not responded to initial disclosure attempts, indicating a potential lack of support for this specific version. Organizations should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure to the vulnerable application, while also deploying web application firewalls to detect and block sql injection attempts. Input validation and parameterized queries should be implemented at the application level to prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in other components. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-89 which specifically addresses sql injection flaws, and represents a clear violation of secure coding practices that should be addressed through comprehensive code review processes and security testing. Additionally, this vulnerability may map to ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploiting vulnerabilities in web applications and T1071.004 for application layer protocol usage, making it a significant threat vector that requires immediate attention from security teams and network administrators to prevent potential exploitation and data breaches.