Source: cna@cyber.gov.il
CWE-89 Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command ('SQL Injection')
Critical vulnerability discovered in a web application, allowing for SQL Injection attacks. This flaw enables attackers to bypass authentication, access sensitive data, and potentially gain full control of the affected system. Immediate patching and security audits are required to mitigate the risk.
Step 1: Payload Delivery: The attacker identifies an input field (e.g., username, password, search box) in the web application.
Step 2: Crafting the Payload: The attacker constructs a malicious SQL injection payload designed to achieve a specific goal (e.g., bypass authentication, retrieve data, execute commands). This payload includes SQL commands like SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE, and potentially operating system commands if the database allows it.
Step 3: Payload Injection: The attacker submits the crafted payload through the identified input field.
Step 4: Query Execution: The vulnerable application receives the input, incorporates it into an SQL query without proper sanitization, and executes the query against the database.
Step 5: Exploitation: The database interprets the injected SQL code, executes the attacker's commands, and returns the results. The attacker can then use the results to achieve their objectives, such as gaining unauthorized access or extracting sensitive information.
Step 6: Post-Exploitation: The attacker may attempt to escalate privileges, maintain persistence, or exfiltrate data depending on the database configuration and the attacker's goals.
The vulnerability stems from improper input validation and sanitization of user-supplied data before it is used in SQL queries. Specifically, the application fails to adequately neutralize special characters or escape sequences that can be interpreted as SQL commands. This allows an attacker to inject malicious SQL code into input fields, such as login forms or search boxes. The absence of prepared statements or parameterized queries further exacerbates the issue, as these techniques would prevent the attacker's input from being directly interpreted as SQL code. The root cause is a coding error where the developers did not implement robust input validation or used vulnerable string concatenation to build SQL queries. This allows an attacker to manipulate the query logic and execute arbitrary SQL commands.
While no specific APTs or malware families are directly linked to this CVE at the time of this report, SQL injection is a widely known and frequently used attack vector. Attackers of all skill levels, including state-sponsored groups and financially motivated cybercriminals, could exploit this vulnerability. CISA KEV status: Not Applicable (as of the report's creation date).
Network Intrusion Detection Systems (NIDS) configured to detect SQL injection attempts, including common SQL keywords and patterns in HTTP requests.
Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) configured to block malicious SQL injection payloads.
Database activity monitoring to identify unusual SQL queries or suspicious user activity.
Reviewing application logs for suspicious input patterns or error messages related to SQL queries.
Forensic analysis of web server logs, database logs, and application code for evidence of exploitation attempts.
Implement parameterized queries or prepared statements to prevent SQL injection vulnerabilities. This separates the SQL code from the user-supplied data.
Thoroughly validate and sanitize all user-supplied input to remove or escape special characters and potentially malicious code.
Employ a Web Application Firewall (WAF) to filter malicious traffic and block known SQL injection attempts.
Regularly update the web application and database software to patch known vulnerabilities.
Enforce the principle of least privilege for database users to limit the impact of a successful attack.
Conduct regular security audits and penetration testing to identify and address vulnerabilities.
Implement robust logging and monitoring to detect and respond to suspicious activity.