CVE-2024-5589 in NS-ASG Application Security Gateway
Summary
by MITRE • 06/03/2024
A vulnerability was found in Netentsec NS-ASG Application Security Gateway 6.3. It has been classified as critical. This affects an unknown part of the file /admin/config_MT.php?action=delete. The manipulation of the argument Mid leads to sql injection. It is possible to initiate the attack remotely. The exploit has been disclosed to the public and may be used. The associated identifier of this vulnerability is VDB-266847. 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 • 06/03/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-5589 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the Netentsec NS-ASG Application Security Gateway version 6.3, specifically affecting the administrative configuration interface. This vulnerability resides in the /admin/config_MT.php file where the delete action is processed, making it a direct target for malicious actors seeking to compromise the security gateway. The flaw manifests when the Mid argument is manipulated, allowing attackers to inject malicious sql commands that can bypass authentication mechanisms and execute arbitrary database operations.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a classic sql injection attack pattern where the Mid parameter is not properly sanitized or validated before being incorporated into database queries. This creates an opportunity for attackers to manipulate the sql execution flow by injecting malicious payloads through the Mid argument. The vulnerability's classification as critical stems from the ability to perform remote exploitation without requiring authentication, as the attack vector operates through the web interface. The fact that this vulnerability has been publicly disclosed and is known to be exploitable significantly increases the risk to affected systems, as malicious actors can leverage existing exploit code rather than developing custom attack vectors.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft or modification, as it allows full administrative control over the affected security gateway. An attacker could potentially gain access to sensitive network security configurations, modify firewall rules, disable security features, or establish persistent backdoors within the organization's network infrastructure. This represents a severe compromise of network security posture, as the NS-ASG gateway serves as a critical security control point that protects against external threats. The vulnerability affects the entire administrative functionality of the system, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to disrupt network security operations or gain unauthorized access to protected network resources.
The attack surface is particularly concerning given that the vulnerability allows for remote exploitation without any authentication requirements, as indicated by the description. This means that attackers can target the vulnerable system from anywhere on the internet without needing insider knowledge or credentials. The lack of vendor response to early disclosure attempts compounds the risk, as organizations may not receive timely patches or security advisories to protect against this known vulnerability. Organizations using Netentsec NS-ASG 6.3 should immediately implement network segmentation measures to restrict access to the affected administrative interface, disable unnecessary administrative functions, and monitor for suspicious network activity that could indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-89 which specifically addresses sql injection flaws, and could be categorized under ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploit public-facing application, highlighting the importance of proper input validation and the implementation of web application firewalls to protect against such attacks.