CVE-2022-3711 is a post-authentication, read-only SQL injection vulnerability affecting Sophos Firewall devices running versions older than 19.5 GA. This vulnerability resides within the User Portal component of the firewall, allowing authenticated users to execute crafted SQL queries that can read non-sensitive configuration data from the underlying database. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-89, indicating improper neutralization of special elements used in an SQL command. Since the exploit requires prior authentication, it limits exposure to users who have valid credentials or have gained access through other means. The SQL injection is read-only, meaning it does not allow modification or deletion of data, but it can disclose configuration details that might aid an attacker in further reconnaissance or lateral movement within the network. No known exploits have been reported in the wild, and no official patches or updates are linked in the provided information, although the issue is resolved in versions 19.5 GA and later. The vulnerability does not expose sensitive data directly but could reveal configuration parameters that might include network topology, user roles, or firewall rules, which could be leveraged in targeted attacks.

For European organizations, the impact of this vulnerability primarily lies in the potential exposure of internal firewall configuration data. While the data disclosed is non-sensitive, it can provide attackers with valuable insights into network segmentation, security policies, and user privileges. This information can facilitate more sophisticated attacks, including privilege escalation, lateral movement, or targeted exploitation of other vulnerabilities. Organizations relying on Sophos Firewall for perimeter defense and internal segmentation could see a reduction in their security posture if attackers exploit this vulnerability. Given the post-authentication requirement, the threat is more significant in environments where user credentials are weak, reused, or compromised. Additionally, sectors with stringent regulatory requirements, such as finance, healthcare, and critical infrastructure in Europe, may face compliance risks if attackers leverage this vulnerability as part of a broader attack chain.

1. Upgrade Sophos Firewall devices to version 19.5 GA or later, where this vulnerability is addressed. 2. Enforce strong authentication mechanisms for User Portal access, including multi-factor authentication (MFA) to reduce the risk of unauthorized access. 3. Regularly audit user accounts and permissions to ensure that only necessary users have access to the User Portal, minimizing the attack surface. 4. Monitor firewall logs for unusual or suspicious User Portal activity that could indicate exploitation attempts. 5. Implement network segmentation and access controls to limit User Portal access to trusted networks and users only. 6. Conduct internal penetration testing focusing on post-authentication vulnerabilities to identify and remediate similar issues proactively. 7. Educate users on credential hygiene to prevent credential compromise that could facilitate exploitation.