CVE-2011-0448 in Ruby on Rails
Summary
by MITRE
Ruby on Rails 3.0.x before 3.0.4 does not ensure that arguments to the limit function specify integer values, which makes it easier for remote attackers to conduct SQL injection attacks via a non-numeric argument.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/03/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2011-0448 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the Ruby on Rails web application framework version 3.0.x prior to 3.0.4. This issue stems from insufficient input validation in the limit function implementation, which is commonly used to control the number of records returned by database queries. The flaw allows attackers to bypass normal parameter validation mechanisms and inject malicious SQL code through non-numeric arguments that should have been restricted to integer values.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection weaknesses in software applications. When developers use the limit function in Rails applications, they typically pass parameters to control how many database records are retrieved. In vulnerable versions, the framework failed to properly validate that these limit arguments were indeed integers, creating an opening for attackers to inject arbitrary SQL commands. This validation failure occurs at the application layer where Rails processes user input before constructing database queries, making it particularly dangerous as it can affect any application utilizing the affected Rails version.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant for organizations running Ruby on Rails applications, as it provides remote attackers with a straightforward method to execute unauthorized database operations. Attackers can exploit this weakness to manipulate database queries, potentially gaining access to sensitive information, modifying data, or even executing administrative commands on the database server. The vulnerability is especially concerning because the limit function is commonly used throughout web applications, making it a prime target for exploitation. The non-numeric argument injection allows attackers to bypass standard SQL injection prevention measures that typically focus on input sanitization, as the validation occurs at the framework level rather than being handled by application-specific code.
Organizations should prioritize immediate patching of this vulnerability by upgrading to Rails version 3.0.4 or later, which includes proper input validation for the limit function. Additionally, implementing proper input sanitization measures at the application level can serve as a defensive mitigation strategy, though this approach is less reliable than the official patch. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of robust input validation in web frameworks and highlights the need for comprehensive security testing of core framework components. Security practitioners should also consider implementing database query monitoring and logging to detect potential exploitation attempts, as outlined in the attack patterns described by the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the database access and data manipulation techniques. Organizations using older Rails versions should conduct thorough security assessments to identify all potential injection points and ensure proper parameter validation throughout their applications.