CVE-2020-4647
📋 TL;DR
This SQL injection vulnerability in IBM Sterling File Gateway allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands against the back-end database. Attackers could potentially view, modify, or delete sensitive data stored in the database. Organizations using affected versions of IBM Sterling File Gateway are at risk.
💻 Affected Systems
- IBM Sterling File Gateway
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete compromise of the database including data theft, data manipulation, or deletion of critical business information, potentially leading to data breach and system unavailability.
Likely Case
Unauthorized access to sensitive file transfer data, configuration information, and potentially credential exposure from the database.
If Mitigated
Limited impact with proper network segmentation, database permissions, and input validation controls in place.
🎯 Exploit Status
SQL injection vulnerabilities typically have low exploitation complexity, especially when unauthenticated access is possible.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Apply interim fix or upgrade to versions beyond 2.2.6.5 and 6.0.3.2
Vendor Advisory: https://www.ibm.com/support/pages/node/6367981
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Review IBM advisory at provided URL. 2. Apply recommended interim fix or upgrade to patched version. 3. Restart IBM Sterling File Gateway services. 4. Verify patch application.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Network Segmentation
allRestrict network access to IBM Sterling File Gateway to only trusted sources
Web Application Firewall
allDeploy WAF with SQL injection protection rules
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict network access controls to limit exposure
- Deploy database monitoring and alerting for suspicious SQL queries
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check IBM Sterling File Gateway version via administrative console or configuration filesCheck Version:
Check product documentation for version query commands specific to your deploymentVerify Fix Applied:
Verify version is beyond affected ranges (2.2.6.5+ or 6.0.3.2+) and check for applied interim fixes📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual SQL query patterns in application logs
- Database error messages containing SQL syntax
Network Indicators:
- HTTP requests with SQL keywords in parameters
- Unusual database connection patterns
SIEM Query:
source="sterling_gateway" AND ("sql" OR "select" OR "union" OR "insert" OR "delete")