CVE-2024-9971 Overview
CVE-2024-9971 is a SQL injection vulnerability in the specific query functionality of NewType FlowMaster BPM Plus. The application fails to properly restrict user input before passing it to database queries. Remote attackers with regular user privileges can inject SQL commands to read, modify, or delete database contents. The flaw is tracked under CWE-89 (Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command).
Critical Impact
An authenticated attacker with low privileges can compromise the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the FlowMaster BPM Plus database over the network.
Affected Products
- NewType FlowMaster BPM Plus
- Component: newtype:flowmaster_bpm_plus
- All versions prior to the vendor-supplied fix
Discovery Timeline
- 2024-10-15 - CVE-2024-9971 published to NVD
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2024-9971
Vulnerability Analysis
FlowMaster BPM Plus exposes a specific query feature that accepts user-supplied parameters and incorporates them into backend SQL statements. The application does not sanitize or parameterize these inputs. An authenticated user with regular privileges can craft input containing SQL metacharacters and clauses that alter the intended query logic.
Because the injection point is reachable over the network and requires only standard user credentials, the barrier to exploitation is low. Successful exploitation grants the attacker the effective database permissions of the application service account, which is typically broad in business process management platforms.
Root Cause
The root cause is improper neutralization of special elements in a SQL command [CWE-89]. User-controlled data flows directly into dynamic SQL string concatenation without prepared statements, parameterized queries, or input allow-listing. This design defect enables attacker-controlled query fragments to execute in the database engine.
Attack Vector
Exploitation requires network access to the FlowMaster BPM Plus web interface and valid low-privileged credentials. The attacker submits malicious payloads through the specific query functionality, typically via HTTP request parameters. Injected clauses can enumerate database schemas, exfiltrate stored records including credentials and workflow data, tamper with process state, or drop tables to cause denial of service. No user interaction is required, and the attack does not cross a security boundary beyond the initial authentication.
No verified public proof-of-concept code has been released. See the TW-CERT Security Advisory for coordinated disclosure details.
Detection Methods for CVE-2024-9971
Indicators of Compromise
- Unusual SQL syntax such as UNION SELECT, OR 1=1, --, or ; appearing in HTTP request parameters submitted to FlowMaster BPM Plus query endpoints.
- Database error messages returned to authenticated users in application logs or web server logs.
- Unexpected SELECT, UPDATE, or DROP statements originating from the FlowMaster application service account.
- Sudden spikes in query volume or response size tied to a single low-privileged user session.
Detection Strategies
- Deploy web application firewall rules that identify SQL injection patterns in traffic destined for FlowMaster BPM Plus.
- Enable database audit logging and alert on schema enumeration queries against information_schema or system catalogs.
- Correlate authenticated user sessions with anomalous database access patterns using SIEM analytics.
Monitoring Recommendations
- Monitor the FlowMaster BPM Plus application logs for repeated failed queries or syntax errors tied to individual accounts.
- Track outbound data volume from the database host to detect bulk exfiltration.
- Review privileged account activity in the database, especially against tables holding workflow, user, or credential data.
How to Mitigate CVE-2024-9971
Immediate Actions Required
- Apply the vendor-supplied patch from NewType as referenced in the TW-CERT Security Advisory.
- Restrict network exposure of the FlowMaster BPM Plus interface to trusted management networks and VPN users.
- Audit and rotate credentials for any low-privileged accounts that may have been used to probe the query functionality.
- Review database audit logs for prior injection attempts dating back to before the patch was applied.
Patch Information
NewType has released a fixed version of FlowMaster BPM Plus. Refer to the TW-CERT Incident Report and vendor communications for the specific patched build. Verify the installed version after deployment and confirm the specific query functionality is no longer accepting unsanitized input.
Workarounds
- Disable the specific query functionality for users who do not require it, if the application supports feature-level access control.
- Place a web application firewall in front of FlowMaster BPM Plus with SQL injection signatures enabled in blocking mode.
- Enforce least-privilege on the database account used by the application, removing rights such as DROP, ALTER, and access to sensitive tables that are not required for runtime operation.
- Require additional authentication factors for accounts that can access the query interface.
# Example: restrict FlowMaster BPM Plus access at the network layer
# Allow only internal management subnet to reach the application port
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 443 -s 10.10.0.0/24 -j ACCEPT
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 443 -j DROP
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
