CVE-2018-18251 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

Deltek Vision 7.x before version 7.6 is susceptible to a critical vulnerability that allows attackers to execute unauthorized SQL statements via a custom RPC over HTTP protocol. This CVE was published on April 24, 2019.

Understanding CVE-2018-18251

This CVE pertains to a security flaw in Deltek Vision 7.x versions prior to 7.6 that enables the execution of arbitrary SQL statements through a specific RPC over HTTP protocol.

What is CVE-2018-18251?

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to execute unauthorized SQL statements using a custom RPC over HTTP protocol.
The Vision system relies on the client binary to enforce security rules and maintain the integrity of SQL statements and other content sent to the server.
Manipulation of client HTTP calls can lead to the execution of unauthorized SQL statements or other unspecified consequences.
An authenticated session is required to carry out these attacks.
Encryption of client calls can be bypassed due to hard-coded keys and an insecure key rotation protocol.

The Impact of CVE-2018-18251

The vulnerability may result in remote code execution in certain deployments.
The vendor asserts that following the installation documentation can prevent the exploitation of this vulnerability.

Technical Details of CVE-2018-18251

Delve deeper into the technical aspects of this CVE.

Vulnerability Description

Before version 7.6 of Deltek Vision 7.x, attackers can execute any SQL statement through a custom RPC over HTTP protocol.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Not applicable
Vendor: Not applicable
Versions affected: Not applicable

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can manipulate client HTTP calls to execute unauthorized SQL statements.
Encryption of client calls can be bypassed due to hard-coded keys and an insecure key rotation protocol.

Mitigation and Prevention

Learn how to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2018-18251.

Immediate Steps to Take

Ensure that all users follow secure coding practices.
Implement proper input validation to prevent SQL injection attacks.
Regularly monitor and analyze network traffic for any suspicious activities.

Long-Term Security Practices

Conduct regular security training for developers and IT staff.
Keep systems and software up to date with the latest security patches.
Employ network segmentation to limit the impact of potential attacks.

Patching and Updates

Apply the necessary patches and updates provided by the vendor to address this vulnerability.