CVE-2024-9465 in Expedition
Summary
by MITRE • 10/09/2024
An SQL injection vulnerability in Palo Alto Networks Expedition allows an unauthenticated attacker to reveal Expedition database contents, such as password hashes, usernames, device configurations, and device API keys. With this, attackers can also create and read arbitrary files on the Expedition system.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/15/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-9465 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within Palo Alto Networks Expedition software, a tool designed for network security assessment and configuration management. This vulnerability exists at the application level and affects the database layer of the Expedition system, creating a pathway for unauthorized access to sensitive information stored within the application's backend database. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization practices within the software's database interaction components, allowing malicious actors to manipulate SQL queries through crafted input parameters.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker sends specially crafted requests to the Expedition application without requiring authentication credentials. The SQL injection attack leverages the lack of proper parameterization in database queries, enabling attackers to inject malicious SQL code that can traverse the database structure. This vulnerability specifically targets the database interface of Expedition, allowing for arbitrary code execution within the database context. The attack vector typically involves manipulating URL parameters, form inputs, or API endpoints that interact with the backend database, bypassing normal authentication mechanisms and authorization checks.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-9465 is severe and multifaceted, as it provides attackers with comprehensive access to sensitive data stored within the Expedition database. The vulnerability exposes password hashes, usernames, device configurations, and API keys that are critical for network security operations, potentially enabling attackers to escalate privileges and gain deeper access to network infrastructure. Additionally, the ability to create and read arbitrary files on the Expedition system extends the attack surface beyond simple data exfiltration, allowing for potential system compromise and persistence. This vulnerability directly impacts the confidentiality and integrity of network security data, potentially leading to unauthorized access to network devices and configurations. The exposure of API keys and device configurations could enable attackers to compromise connected network infrastructure and maintain long-term access to the environment.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability should include immediate patch application from Palo Alto Networks to address the SQL injection flaw in the Expedition software. Network administrators must implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of the Expedition system to untrusted networks. Input validation and parameterized queries should be enforced throughout the application code to prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in the future. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-89 which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws, and follows attack patterns documented in the ATT&CK framework under T1078 for valid accounts and T1046 for network service scanning. Organizations should conduct comprehensive security assessments of their Expedition deployments and monitor for suspicious database access patterns or file system modifications. Regular security updates and vulnerability management processes should be implemented to prevent exploitation of similar database-related vulnerabilities in other network security tools. The incident highlights the importance of secure coding practices and proper input validation in security applications that handle sensitive network data.