CVE-2020-12271 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

A SQL injection vulnerability was discovered in SFOS versions 17.0, 17.1, 17.5, and 18.0 on Sophos XG Firewall devices, allowing for remote code execution and data exfiltration.

Understanding CVE-2020-12271

This CVE involves a critical SQL injection issue affecting Sophos XG Firewall devices.

What is CVE-2020-12271?

The vulnerability was exploited in the wild in April 2020.
It impacted devices with the administration (HTTPS) service or User Portal exposed on the WAN zone.
Successful exploitation could lead to remote code execution and extraction of usernames and hashed passwords.

The Impact of CVE-2020-12271

CVSS Score: 10 (Critical)
Attack Vector: Network
Confidentiality Impact: High
Integrity Impact: High
Availability Impact: High
Scope: Changed
No privileges required for exploitation

Technical Details of CVE-2020-12271

This section provides more technical insights into the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability allowed for SQL injection on affected devices.

Affected Systems and Versions

SFOS versions 17.0, 17.1, 17.5, and 18.0 before April 25, 2020, on Sophos XG Firewall devices.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers could exploit the vulnerability remotely through the network.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2020-12271 is crucial for maintaining security.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Sophos XG Firewall devices to a patched version.
Restrict access to the administration and User Portal services.
Monitor network traffic for any suspicious activities.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch all software and firmware.
Implement strong password policies and multi-factor authentication.
Conduct regular security audits and penetration testing.

Patching and Updates

Sophos released patches to address the vulnerability. Ensure all devices are updated to the latest secure versions.