Source: security-advisories@github.com
Pimcore is an Open Source Data & Experience Management Platform. In versions up to and including 11.5.14.1 and 12.3.2, the filter query parameter in the dependency listing endpoints is JSON-decoded and the value field is concatenated directly into RLIKE clauses without sanitization or parameterized queries. Exploiting this issue requires admin authentication. An attacker with admin panel access can extract the full database including password hashes of other admin users. Version 12.3.3 contains a patch.
Pimcore, a data management platform, is vulnerable to a critical SQL injection flaw. An authenticated attacker with admin privileges can exploit this vulnerability to extract the entire database, including sensitive information like password hashes, potentially leading to complete system compromise and data breaches. This vulnerability allows for unauthorized access and control over the platform's data and user accounts.
Step 1: Authentication: The attacker must first authenticate to the Pimcore admin panel using valid credentials. This is a prerequisite for exploiting the vulnerability.
Step 2: Payload Construction: The attacker crafts a malicious JSON payload for the filter query parameter. This payload includes SQL injection code within the value field. The attacker aims to extract sensitive data, such as password hashes, or potentially execute arbitrary commands.
Step 3: Payload Delivery: The attacker sends a crafted HTTP request to the vulnerable dependency listing endpoint, including the malicious JSON payload in the filter query parameter.
Step 4: Query Execution: The Pimcore application receives the request, decodes the JSON, and concatenates the attacker-controlled value field into an RLIKE clause within a SQL query.
Step 5: Data Extraction: The database executes the malicious SQL query, allowing the attacker to extract sensitive information, such as user credentials, or potentially gain further control over the system.
Step 6: Data Exfiltration: The attacker receives the results of the malicious query, which includes the extracted data. This data is then used for further exploitation, such as gaining access to other accounts or systems.
The vulnerability stems from improper input validation and sanitization within the dependency listing endpoints of Pimcore. Specifically, the filter query parameter is JSON-decoded, and the value field within the JSON structure is directly concatenated into an RLIKE clause within a SQL query. This lack of proper sanitization or the use of parameterized queries allows an attacker to inject malicious SQL code. The root cause is a failure to properly handle user-supplied input, leading to a classic SQL injection vulnerability. The code directly uses the user-controlled value field without escaping special characters or using prepared statements, enabling the attacker to manipulate the SQL query's logic and retrieve sensitive data.
While no specific APTs are directly linked to this CVE, the nature of the vulnerability (SQL injection) makes it attractive to various threat actors, including those focused on data theft and credential harvesting. The potential for complete system compromise makes it a high-value target. CISA KEV status is highly probable if this vulnerability is actively exploited.
Monitor web server logs for suspicious HTTP requests to the dependency listing endpoints, specifically those containing unusual JSON payloads in the filter query parameter.
Analyze database query logs for unexpected or malicious SQL queries, particularly those involving the RLIKE clause and user-supplied input.
Implement a Web Application Firewall (WAF) with rules to detect and block SQL injection attempts, including those targeting the dependency listing endpoints.
Monitor for unusual data exfiltration attempts, such as large data transfers or suspicious network traffic originating from the Pimcore server.
Use Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) and Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS) with signatures designed to detect SQL injection attacks.
Upgrade to Pimcore version 12.3.3 or later, which contains a patch for this vulnerability.
Implement parameterized queries or prepared statements to prevent SQL injection vulnerabilities.
Thoroughly validate and sanitize all user-supplied input, especially those used in database queries.
Enforce the principle of least privilege, restricting admin access to only necessary users.
Regularly audit and review the application's codebase for security vulnerabilities, including SQL injection.
Implement a Web Application Firewall (WAF) to filter malicious traffic.