Source: cve@mitre.org
SQL injection vulnerability in hitCode hitAppoint 4.5.17 and possibly earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the username parameter to index.php. NOTE: the provenance of this information is unknown; the details are obtained solely from third party information.
HitCode hitAppoint 4.5.17 and potentially earlier versions are vulnerable to a critical SQL injection attack. This flaw allows remote attackers to inject malicious SQL code through the username parameter, potentially leading to complete database compromise, including data theft, modification, and server control.
Step 1: Payload Delivery: The attacker crafts a malicious SQL injection payload designed to be injected into the username parameter of the index.php file. This payload is typically a string of SQL commands designed to alter the database query's behavior.
Step 2: Request Submission: The attacker submits a specially crafted HTTP request to the vulnerable index.php file, including the malicious payload in the username parameter.
Step 3: Query Execution: The vulnerable application receives the request and, without proper sanitization, incorporates the attacker's payload directly into an SQL query.
Step 4: Database Interaction: The database server executes the modified SQL query, which now includes the attacker's malicious commands.
Step 5: Exploitation: Depending on the payload, the attacker can achieve various objectives, such as retrieving sensitive data (e.g., usernames, passwords), modifying data, or potentially gaining control of the underlying server through techniques like command execution via SQL injection.
The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization of the username parameter within the index.php file. The application directly incorporates user-supplied input into SQL queries without proper escaping or filtering. This allows an attacker to craft a malicious payload that modifies the intended SQL query, enabling the execution of arbitrary SQL commands. The root cause is a failure to implement parameterized queries or other secure coding practices to prevent SQL injection. The lack of input validation allows attackers to bypass security measures and manipulate database interactions. This is a classic example of a blind SQL injection vulnerability, where the attacker may not see the direct output of their injected commands, requiring techniques like time-based or error-based exploitation.
Due to the age of the vulnerability and the lack of specific targeting information, it is difficult to attribute it to specific APT groups. However, SQL injection vulnerabilities are commonly exploited by a wide range of threat actors, including those involved in financially motivated attacks and data theft. This vulnerability is not listed on the CISA KEV catalog, likely due to its age and the potential for limited impact compared to more modern vulnerabilities.
Network Intrusion Detection Systems (NIDS) can be configured to detect SQL injection attempts by monitoring for suspicious patterns in HTTP requests, such as the presence of SQL keywords (e.g., SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE, UNION) in the username parameter.
Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) can be deployed to filter malicious requests before they reach the vulnerable application. WAFs can be configured with rules to block SQL injection payloads.
Reviewing web server logs for unusual activity, such as a high volume of requests to index.php or requests containing suspicious characters in the username parameter.
Database activity monitoring can be used to track SQL queries and identify any unusual or unauthorized database activity.
Input Validation: Implement robust input validation to sanitize and filter all user-supplied data, including the username parameter. This should involve whitelisting allowed characters and rejecting or escaping any potentially malicious characters.
Parameterized Queries (Prepared Statements): Use parameterized queries (also known as prepared statements) to prevent SQL injection. Parameterized queries separate the SQL code from the user-supplied data, ensuring that the data is treated as data and not as executable code.
Least Privilege Principle: Grant the database user account used by the application only the minimum necessary privileges. This limits the potential damage if an attacker successfully exploits the SQL injection vulnerability.
Regular Security Audits: Conduct regular security audits and penetration testing to identify and address vulnerabilities in the application code.
Web Application Firewall (WAF): Deploy a WAF to filter malicious requests and protect against SQL injection and other web application attacks.
Update/Patch: If possible, update to a patched version of hitAppoint or migrate to a more secure application.