Overview
A prominent telecommunications network operator in South Africa sought Bugb Technologies’ expertise to enhance the security of their infrastructure. This organization specializes in digital transformation by offering tools to monitor, analyze, and manage network infrastructure across technologies like 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G.
During our routine security assessments, Bugb Technologies uncovered a critical vulnerability exposing their ClickHouse database through an SQL injection flaw. This vulnerability posed a significant risk, potentially allowing attackers to extract sensitive data from the system. Our rapid identification and mitigation efforts not only protected their sensitive data but also enhanced the overall security posture of their infrastructure.
The Challenges
The ClickHouse database was vulnerable to SQL injection, leaving it exposed to unauthorized access and potential data breaches.
With multiple servers operating across diverse domains, pinpointing the vulnerable server was challenging.
The high severity of the vulnerability demanded quick action to prevent exploitation.
Identifying the vulnerability was only the first step, comprehensive offensive security testing was required to uncover and mitigate other potential risks in their ecosystem.
Solution Provided by our Experts
Using CERT-X-GEN, our AI-powered threat intelligence and exploit generation framework, Bugb Technologies delivered an end-to-end solution to address this critical vulnerability and secure the client’s infrastructure.
CERT-X-GEN scanned the global address space, identifying servers running ClickHouse databases.
A custom template was created within CERT-X-GEN to differentiate between authenticated and unauthenticated access to ClickHouse instances.
The vulnerable server was identified and validated using precise exploit generation techniques.
CERT-X-GEN generated a detailed PoC for the SQL injection flaw, demonstrating unauthorized access to the database.
Immediately reached out to the client’s team, providing a complete vulnerability report, PoC details, and a walkthrough of the issue.
Collaborated with their technical team to explain the exploit and recommend remediation measures.
Offensive Security Engagement:
Following the initial discovery, the client engaged Bugb Technologies for a comprehensive offensive security project.
CERT-X-GEN was deployed to conduct a deep dive into their ecosystem, identifying multiple vulnerabilities across their infrastructure.
Each identified vulnerability was documented, and detailed steps to reproduce and remediate were provided.
Mitigation and Strengthening Security:
Worked closely with the client’s team to implement strong security controls across their ecosystem.
Ensured all ClickHouse instances were secured with proper authentication and input validation to prevent future SQL injection risks.
The Results we Achieved
Secured the ClickHouse database and other vulnerable components within the client’s ecosystem.
Proactively addressed risks, significantly enhancing the client’s security posture.
Enabled the client to respond to security incidents more effectively through responsible vulnerability disclosure.
Saved $500K in incident response costs.
Achieved proactive risk mitigation across the entire ecosystem.
Benefits
100%
Mitigation of Identified Vulnerabilities
$15M
in Potential Data Breach Costs Avoided