Security readout for executives and security teams
Plain-English summary
IBM Sterling File Gateway versions 2.2.0.0 through 6.0.1.0 have a SQL injection flaw. A successful attacker could read or change back-end database information, but the CVSS data indicates high privileges are required. This is a moderate business risk, especially where the product handles sensitive file-transfer workflows.
Executive priority
Treat this as a planned remediation item with elevated attention for sensitive file-transfer environments. It is not supported as actively exploited in the supplied sources, but database read or modification risk can affect partner trust, compliance, and operational integrity.
Technical view
CVE-2019-4147 is a network-reachable SQL injection in IBM Sterling File Gateway. CVSS 3.0 score is 4.7 with low attack complexity, no user interaction, and high privileges required. Documented impact includes limited confidentiality, integrity, and availability effects against the back-end database.
Likely exposure
Exposure is limited to IBM Sterling File Gateway deployments running versions 2.2.0.0 through 6.0.1.0. Risk is highest where highly privileged accounts can reach the vulnerable application and where the database contains business-sensitive transfer, partner, or operational data.
Exploitation context
The supplied sources do not report active exploitation, and this CVE is not marked as CISA KEV. The public description says a remote, highly privileged attacker could send crafted SQL statements. No exploit availability or weaponized campaign evidence is provided in the bundle.
Researcher notes
The bundle does not include endpoint details, exploit mechanics, or exact fixed versions. Validation should focus on version exposure, IBM bulletin alignment, privilege boundaries, and evidence of unusual database-affecting activity. Avoid assuming unauthenticated exploitability; CVSS specifies high privileges required.
Mitigation direction
- Check IBM’s security bulletin for the official fix or remediation path.
- Upgrade or patch affected Sterling File Gateway versions per IBM guidance.
- Restrict privileged access to Sterling File Gateway to trusted administrators.
- Review database and application logs for unusual privileged activity.
- Confirm affected systems are not unnecessarily exposed to untrusted networks.
Validation and detection
- Inventory Sterling File Gateway versions across production and non-production environments.
- Identify installations within versions 2.2.0.0 through 6.0.1.0.
- Confirm whether IBM’s recommended fix has been applied.
- Review privileged user access paths to the application.
- Check change records for patching or compensating controls.
Public sources used
Generated from the cited source records. This long-tail analysis has not been individually reviewed by a named human.
Conservative CVE-to-ATT&CK context
These mappings and lookup hints may be relevant to the vulnerability behavior, CWE, affected product, or exposure path. Glexia-inferred context is not an official MITRE, ATT&CK, CWE, or CVE Program mapping.
ATT&CK lookup starting points
Use these exact CWE pages and searches to review the Glexia ATT&CK library from this CVE's weakness and description context.
Database behavior lookup
The CVE wording references database injection or access, so collection and exfiltration review may help. This is a Glexia inferred lookup path, not an official MITRE, ATT&CK, or CVE Program mapping.
Open ATT&CK lookupCVE-2019-4147 mapping review
Open the CVE-to-ATT&CK bridge for reviewed, inferred, or future official mappings tied to this CVE.
Open ATT&CK lookup- Severity
- Medium
- CVSS
- 4.7 (3.0)
- Known Exploited
- No
- Published
Vector: CVSS:3.0/A:L/S:U/AC:L/PR:H/C:L/I:L/AV:N/UI:N/E:U/RL:O/RC:C
CNA and ADP enrichment extracted from CVE v5
These fields come from the CVE record and ADP containers, not from Glexia's Take. They preserve time-varying source decisions such as CISA SSVC, KEV status, CVSS metrics, and provider references.
CVSS vector scores
1 official scoreWe collect every scored CVSS vector available in the official CNA and ADP containers. When more than one version is present, the table keeps the source vectors side by side instead of collapsing them into the highest score.
CVSS:3.0/A:L/S:U/AC:L/PR:H/C:L/I:L/AV:N/UI:N/E:U/RL:O/RC:C1.23.4Primary CVE scoreVulnerability scoring details
Base CVSS 3.0 score
4.7MediumVector: CVSS:3.0/A:L/S:U/AC:L/PR:H/C:L/I:L/AV:N/UI:N/E:U/RL:O/RC:C
Source materials
- CVE List V5 sourceCVE List V5
- https://www.ibm.com/support/pages/security-bulletin-sql-injection-vulnerability-affects-ibm-sterling-file-gateway-cve-2019-4147CVE reference · x_refsource_CONFIRM
- ibm-sterling-cve20194147-sql-injection (158413)CVE reference · vdb-entry, x_refsource_XF
Products and packages named in the record
CWE details
CWE links open Glexia weakness intelligence pages with official CWE context, developer remediation guidance, and related CVE mappings.