CVE-2014-1471 in OTRS
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in the StateGetStatesByType function in Kernel/System/State.pm in Open Ticket Request System (OTRS) 3.1.x before 3.1.19, 3.2.x before 3.2.14, and 3.3.x before 3.3.4 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via vectors related to a ticket search URL.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/01/2022
The vulnerability CVE-2014-1471 represents a critical sql injection flaw in the Open Ticket Request System OTRS platform that affects multiple version branches including 3.1.x before 3.1.19, 3.2.x before 3.2.14, and 3.3.x before 3.3.4. This vulnerability resides within the StateGetStatesByType function located in the Kernel/System/State.pm file, which is a core component responsible for managing ticket state retrieval operations. The flaw specifically manifests when processing ticket search URLs, creating a pathway for remote attackers to manipulate database queries through crafted input parameters.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the state retrieval function. When users perform ticket searches through the web interface, the system constructs sql queries based on user-provided parameters without proper escaping or parameterization. This allows attackers to inject malicious sql fragments that get executed within the database context, potentially enabling full database compromise. The vulnerability is classified as a CWE-89 sql injection weakness under the CWE top 25 most dangerous software weaknesses list, which specifically addresses improper neutralization of special elements used in sql commands.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as remote attackers can execute arbitrary sql commands with the privileges of the database user account used by OTRS. This could result in complete database compromise, data exfiltration, modification of critical ticket information, or even lateral movement within the network if the database server has elevated privileges. Attackers could potentially escalate their access to other systems by leveraging database credentials or using the compromised system as a pivot point for further attacks. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a command and control technique under the execution phase, specifically targeting database systems through sql injection methods.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-1471 require immediate patching of affected OTRS versions to the recommended secure releases, which include upgrading to OTRS 3.1.19, 3.2.14, or 3.3.4 respectively. Organizations should also implement proper input validation at multiple layers, including web application firewalls and database query parameterization techniques. Network segmentation and principle of least privilege should be enforced for database connections, limiting the potential impact of successful exploitation. Additionally, regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the system architecture. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date software versions and implementing proper secure coding practices in web applications that interact with databases.