Vulnerability Remediation/Mitigation Strategy: CVE-2024-12918 - SQL Injection in Agito Computer Health4All

This document outlines the remediation and mitigation strategy for CVE-2024-12918, an SQL Injection vulnerability identified in Agito Computer Health4All.

1. Vulnerability Description:

  • CVE ID: CVE-2024-12918
  • Product: Agito Computer Health4All
  • Vulnerable Version: Versions prior to 10.01.2025
  • Vulnerability Type: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command (‘SQL Injection’)

This vulnerability allows an attacker to inject malicious SQL code into a database query through an input field or parameter within the Health4All application. This can lead to unauthorized access, modification, or deletion of sensitive data, potentially compromising the entire system.

2. Severity:

  • CVSS Score: 8.8 (High) (Based on the CVSS data provided)
  • Impact: The SQL Injection vulnerability allows for significant potential impact, including:
    • Data Breach: Sensitive patient data (personally identifiable information, medical records) could be exposed and stolen.
    • Data Manipulation: Attackers could modify or delete critical data, impacting the functionality and integrity of the application.
    • System Compromise: In some cases, an attacker could gain complete control of the database server and potentially the entire Health4All system.
    • Reputational Damage: A successful attack would likely result in significant reputational damage for Agito Computer and its customers.

3. Known Exploits:

While specific exploit code might not be publicly available yet, SQL Injection is a well-understood vulnerability with widely available techniques and tools. Attackers can leverage common SQL injection payloads to probe for vulnerable parameters and construct attacks. It’s important to assume the vulnerability is actively being targeted and to implement mitigations immediately.

4. Remediation/Mitigation Strategy:

This strategy outlines steps to address the vulnerability and minimize the risk of exploitation.

4.1. Immediate Actions (Short-Term Mitigations - within 24-48 hours):

  • Patching (Primary): The most effective solution is to immediately upgrade to a patched version of Health4All released after January 10, 2025. Contact Agito Computer for the latest patched version and instructions. This should be prioritized above all other actions.
  • Web Application Firewall (WAF) Rules: Implement or update WAF rules to block common SQL injection attack patterns. Specific rules should be tailored to the application’s specific inputs. Consider using the following patterns:
    • Block common SQL keywords such as UNION, SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE, DROP, EXEC, xp_cmdshell (if the database is SQL Server).
    • Block attempts to use SQL comments (--, /* */).
    • Monitor for unusual characters and patterns in input fields.
  • Input Validation & Sanitization (as an interim measure): As an immediate mitigation, enhance existing input validation on the server-side. Sanitize all user inputs to remove or escape potentially dangerous characters (e.g., single quotes, double quotes, semicolons, backslashes). Note: This is not a substitute for patching, as it’s difficult to anticipate all possible attack vectors.
  • Database Account Privileges (Principle of Least Privilege): Ensure that the database user account used by Health4All has only the minimum required privileges to function. Restrict access to sensitive tables or stored procedures.
  • Network Segmentation: If possible, segment the Health4All system from other critical systems to limit the potential impact of a successful attack.
  • Intrusion Detection/Prevention System (IDS/IPS): Ensure your IDS/IPS is configured to detect and alert on SQL injection attempts.

4.2. Long-Term Actions (within 1-2 weeks):

  • Secure Code Review: Conduct a thorough secure code review of the Health4All application, focusing on input validation, data sanitization, and database interaction logic. This should be performed by security experts familiar with SQL Injection vulnerabilities.
  • Penetration Testing: Engage a qualified penetration tester to conduct a comprehensive penetration test of the Health4All application to identify and exploit any remaining vulnerabilities.
  • Security Training: Provide security awareness training to developers and system administrators on secure coding practices, focusing on common vulnerabilities like SQL Injection.
  • Automated Vulnerability Scanning: Implement regular automated vulnerability scanning of the Health4All application using tools like OWASP ZAP or similar scanners.
  • Database Security Hardening: Implement database security hardening measures, such as:
    • Enabling database auditing to track user activity and potential attacks.
    • Disabling unnecessary database features and stored procedures.
    • Regularly patching the database server software.
  • Implement Parameterized Queries/Prepared Statements: Parameterized queries are a fundamental defense against SQL injection. Ensure all database interactions use parameterized queries or prepared statements where user input is incorporated into the query. This prevents user-supplied data from being interpreted as SQL code.
  • Regular Security Audits: Perform regular security audits of the entire Health4All environment to identify and address potential vulnerabilities.

4.3. Monitoring and Reporting:

  • Monitor System Logs: Actively monitor system logs for suspicious activity, such as unusual database queries, failed login attempts, and other potential indicators of compromise.
  • Alerting: Configure alerts for security events related to SQL injection attempts.
  • Incident Response Plan: Ensure that you have a well-defined incident response plan in place to handle a potential security breach.

5. Communication:

  • Communicate the vulnerability and remediation steps to all stakeholders, including developers, system administrators, and users.
  • Keep stakeholders informed of the progress of the remediation efforts.
  • Coordinate with Agito Computer for any updates or additional information.

6. Responsibilities:

  • System Administrators: Responsible for patching the application, implementing WAF rules, configuring IDS/IPS, and monitoring system logs.
  • Developers: Responsible for performing secure code reviews, fixing vulnerabilities, and implementing secure coding practices.
  • Security Team: Responsible for conducting penetration testing, vulnerability scanning, and providing security guidance.
  • Management: Responsible for providing resources and support for the remediation efforts.

7. Conclusion:

CVE-2024-12918 poses a significant security risk to Agito Computer Health4All users. By following this remediation and mitigation strategy, organizations can significantly reduce their risk of exploitation and protect their sensitive data. Patching the application is the primary and most effective solution and should be prioritized. Continuous monitoring and security awareness are essential to maintaining a secure environment.