Source: cve@mitre.org
SQL injection vulnerability in app/models/identity.php in NoseRub 0.5.2 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the username field to the login script.
NoseRub 0.5.2 and earlier are vulnerable to a critical SQL injection flaw, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands. This vulnerability, exploitable via the login script's username field, can lead to complete system compromise and data exfiltration, potentially impacting confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
Step 1: Payload Delivery: The attacker crafts a malicious username containing SQL injection code. This payload is designed to alter the intended SQL query's behavior.
Step 2: Request Submission: The attacker submits the crafted username through the login form, typically via an HTTP POST request.
Step 3: Query Construction: The vulnerable identity.php file receives the username and incorporates it directly into an SQL query without sanitization.
Step 4: Query Execution: The database server executes the modified SQL query, which now includes the attacker's injected code.
Step 5: Data Manipulation: The injected SQL code allows the attacker to perform actions such as bypassing authentication, retrieving sensitive data (e.g., usernames, passwords, database structure), modifying data, or even executing operating system commands if the database server is configured to allow it.
Step 6: Result Retrieval: The attacker receives the results of the malicious SQL query, which could include sensitive information or confirmation of successful exploitation.
The vulnerability stems from a lack of proper input validation and sanitization of user-supplied data within the app/models/identity.php file. Specifically, the application fails to adequately filter or escape special characters within the username field before incorporating it into an SQL query. This allows an attacker to inject malicious SQL code, which is then executed by the database server. The root cause is the direct concatenation of user input into an SQL query string without any form of parameterization or escaping. This allows an attacker to manipulate the query's logic and retrieve, modify, or delete sensitive data. The absence of prepared statements or other secure coding practices exacerbates the risk.
Due to the age and simplicity of the vulnerability, it is likely that various threat actors, including both opportunistic and more sophisticated groups, could exploit this. While no specific APTs are directly linked to this CVE, the ease of exploitation makes it a target for a wide range of actors. Not listed on CISA KEV.
Network Intrusion Detection Systems (NIDS) should be configured to detect SQL injection attempts. Look for suspicious patterns in HTTP POST requests, particularly in the username field, such as single quotes, double quotes, semicolons, and SQL keywords (e.g., SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE, UNION).
Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) can be deployed to filter malicious requests before they reach the vulnerable application. WAFs should be configured with rules specifically designed to detect and block SQL injection attempts.
Review web server logs (e.g., Apache access logs, error logs) for unusual activity, such as repeated failed login attempts or suspicious HTTP requests containing SQL injection payloads.
Database audit logs can be used to monitor for suspicious SQL queries, such as those that attempt to access or modify sensitive data. Analyze database logs for unexpected queries or modifications to the database schema.
File integrity monitoring tools can be used to detect unauthorized modifications to the identity.php file or other critical application files.
Upgrade to a patched version of NoseRub or the latest version if available. If no patch is available, consider migrating to a more secure platform.
Implement input validation and sanitization. Sanitize all user-supplied data, especially the username field, before incorporating it into SQL queries. Use parameterized queries or prepared statements to prevent SQL injection.
Implement output encoding to prevent cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities that could arise from the SQL injection.
Enforce the principle of least privilege. The database user used by the application should have only the necessary permissions to perform its functions.
Regularly scan the application for vulnerabilities using automated tools.
Implement a Web Application Firewall (WAF) to filter malicious requests.
Review and harden the database server configuration. Disable unnecessary features and ensure that the database server is up-to-date with the latest security patches.