CVE-2014-5249 in Biblio Autocomplete
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in the "Biblio self autocomplete" submodule in the Biblio Autocomplete module 6.x-1.x before 6.x-1.1 and 7.x-1.x before 7.x-1.5 for Drupal allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/08/2018
The CVE-2014-5249 vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw within the biblio autocomplete submodule of the biblio autocomplete module for drupal platforms. This vulnerability specifically affects versions 6.x-1.x prior to 6.x-1.1 and 7.x-1.x prior to 7.x-1.5, creating a significant security risk for organizations utilizing these outdated drupal versions. The vulnerability resides in the module's handling of user input during autocomplete operations, where unsanitized data is directly incorporated into sql queries without proper validation or escaping mechanisms. This flaw enables remote attackers to manipulate the underlying database through carefully crafted input sequences that bypass normal input sanitization processes. The attack vector operates through unspecified input fields within the biblio self autocomplete functionality, which is commonly used for library management and bibliographic data handling within drupal sites. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-89 which specifically addresses sql injection weaknesses in software applications.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when malicious input is submitted through the autocomplete interface, which then gets processed and incorporated into sql queries without proper parameterization or input validation. Attackers can construct sql payloads that manipulate the database queries to extract sensitive information, modify data, or even execute administrative commands on the underlying database system. The impact extends beyond simple data theft as the vulnerability could potentially allow full database compromise, leading to complete system takeover or data exfiltration. The remote nature of the attack means that no local access or authentication is required, making the vulnerability particularly dangerous for publicly accessible drupal installations. This type of vulnerability demonstrates poor input handling practices and violates fundamental security principles of parameterized queries and input sanitization that are essential for preventing sql injection attacks.
Organizations running affected drupal versions face severe operational consequences from this vulnerability, including potential data breaches, system compromise, and regulatory compliance violations. The vulnerability affects library management systems and bibliographic databases that rely on the biblio autocomplete functionality, potentially exposing sensitive academic or organizational information. The impact is amplified by the widespread use of drupal as a content management platform, particularly in academic and research institutions where bibliographic data often contains proprietary or confidential information. Security teams must conduct immediate assessment of their drupal installations to identify affected modules and implement appropriate mitigations. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date software components and the risks associated with running unsupported or outdated versions of content management systems.
The recommended mitigation strategy involves immediate upgrading of the biblio autocomplete module to versions 6.x-1.1 or 7.x-1.5 respectively, which contain the necessary patches to address the sql injection vulnerability. Organizations should also implement input validation measures and consider additional security controls such as web application firewalls to provide defense-in-depth protection. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of following security best practices including regular security updates, proper input validation, and maintaining current software versions. From an att&ck perspective, this vulnerability maps to technique t1190 - proxy process, as attackers may use the compromised system to establish further access or conduct additional attacks. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify similar issues in other modules and components of the drupal platform, ensuring comprehensive protection against sql injection and other common web application vulnerabilities.