CVE-2024-5276 was recently disclosed in Fortra FileCatalyst Workflow with a CVSS score of 9.8. This vulnerability allows attackers to tamper with the application database, potentially creating administrative users or modifying and deleting data.
Discovered by cybersecurity firm Tenable, this vulnerability affects FileCatalyst Workflow versions 5.1.6 Build 135 and earlier, and has been fixed in version 5.1.6 Build 139.
What is CVE-2024-5276?
The Workflow component of FileCatalyst, where the vulnerability resides, is an enterprise software solution for accelerated, UDP-based file transfer of large files. CVE-2024-5276 exploits the way user-supplied input — particularly the jobID parameter — is used to form the WHERE clause in an SQL query. If this input is not properly validated, an attacker can manipulate it to execute arbitrary SQL commands. This can result in unauthorized actions such as the creation of new administrative accounts and alteration of database records — though it does not allow for data exfiltration.
If left unaddressed, CVE-2024-5276 could have severe consequences. Attackers could gain administrative access to the FileCatalyst Workflow system, allowing them to create new admin accounts and manipulate or delete critical data. This could potentially disrupt your organization’s operations, create data integrity issues, and result in significant financial and reputational damage. In the worst-case scenario, the vulnerability could be leveraged as part of a larger attack chain to compromise other systems in your network.
Neutralize the Threat with Waratek
Waratek’s advanced SQLi protections are designed to neutralize the threat posed by CVE-2024-5276. Waratek’s Java security platform provides comprehensive real-time protection against SQL injection attacks. By automatically monitoring and validating all SQL queries at runtime, Waratek ensures that any malicious input is detected and blocked before it can cause harm.
The queries are intercepted and processed at the application layer, providing an immediate response to potential threats without the need for manual intervention. The system uses a combination of signature-based detection, behavior analysis, and heuristic algorithms to identify suspicious queries that may indicate an SQL injection attempt. Waratek maintains an extensive database of known SQL injection patterns and signatures. When a query is executed, it is matched against this database. If a match is found, the query is flagged and blocked from execution.
But this screening process is not just performed using simple pattern recognition. Waratek also uses heuristic algorithms that analyze the structure and content of SQL queries. These algorithms can detect unconventional query constructions and embedded commands that may suggest an SQL injection. By analyzing the query context, Waratek can differentiate between legitimate queries and those designed to exploit vulnerabilities.
For companies already using the Waratek platform for Java security, the risk posed by CVE-2024-5276 was effectively mitigated before it was even made public. Waratek’s runtime protection dynamically analyzes and sanitizes all user inputs, ensuring that any attempt to exploit the SQLi vulnerability is thwarted. Organizations with Waratek in place do not need to worry about this specific known or unknown SQLi vulnerabilities, as their systems are already protected.
Future-Proofing Against Similar Vulnerabilities
The protection provided by Waratek extends beyond CVE-2024-5276. Waratek’s SQLi defenses are designed to handle a wide range of SQL injection vulnerabilities, ensuring that any similar threats that may arise in the future are also neutralized. Waratek’s platform embeds directly into your application’s runtime layer and continuously monitors for anomalies in SQL query patterns. Proactive threat detection allows organizations to stay ahead of potential vulnerabilities and ensures that their systems remain secure against new and emerging threats.
CVE-2024-5276 poses significant risks to organizations using Fortra FileCatalyst Workflow. However, Waratek’s advanced SQLi protections allow companies to rest easy knowing their systems are secure. Waratek’s real-time monitoring, input validation, and proactive threat detection effectively neutralize the threat posed by this CVE and similar vulnerabilities.
