CVE-2024-28521 in NS-ASG Application Security Gateway
Summary
by MITRE • 03/22/2024
SQL Injection vulnerability in Netcome NS-ASG Application Security Gateway v.6.3.1 allows a local attacker to execute arbitrary code and obtain sensitive information via a crafted script to the loginid parameter of the /singlelogin.php component.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/29/2024
The SQL injection vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-28521 affects the Netcome NS-ASG Application Security Gateway version 6.3.1, representing a critical security flaw that exposes the system to unauthorized code execution and data exfiltration. This vulnerability specifically targets the /singlelogin.php component where the loginid parameter fails to properly sanitize user input, creating an avenue for malicious actors to manipulate database queries through crafted script payloads. The flaw enables attackers to bypass authentication mechanisms and gain unauthorized access to sensitive system information, making it particularly dangerous for network security gateways that handle critical traffic and access control functions.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and parameter handling within the application's authentication module. When the loginid parameter is processed, the system fails to employ proper sanitization techniques or prepared statement mechanisms that would normally prevent malicious SQL code from being executed within the database context. This allows a local attacker to inject malicious SQL commands that can manipulate the database structure, extract confidential data, or execute arbitrary code on the underlying system. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and leverages the principle of insufficient input sanitization as defined by CWE-79, which specifically addresses the improper handling of input data that can lead to code injection attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with potential pathways to escalate privileges and establish persistent access within the network infrastructure. A successful exploitation could result in complete compromise of the security gateway, allowing adversaries to monitor, modify, or redirect network traffic passing through the device. The local attacker requirement suggests that the vulnerability may be more easily exploited within trusted network segments, potentially enabling lateral movement attacks where an attacker who gains access to a local account can leverage this vulnerability to escalate their privileges and access additional network resources. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078.004 which covers valid accounts used for lateral movement and privilege escalation.
Organizations utilizing Netcome NS-ASG Application Security Gateway version 6.3.1 should immediately implement mitigations including applying the vendor-provided security patches, implementing network segmentation to limit local access, and deploying additional monitoring controls to detect suspicious authentication attempts. The remediation process should focus on strengthening input validation mechanisms, implementing proper parameterized queries, and ensuring that all user inputs are properly sanitized before processing. Additionally, security teams should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify any other components within the network that may be susceptible to similar injection attacks, as this vulnerability may indicate broader application security weaknesses that require systematic review and remediation across the entire security infrastructure.