CVE-2014-5458 in php-sqrl
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in sqrl_verify.php in php-sqrl allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the message parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/17/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-5458 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the sqrl_verify.php component of the php-sqrl library, which is designed for implementing the Secure Remote Password protocol. This vulnerability specifically targets the message parameter handling within the verification script, creating a pathway for remote attackers to execute unauthorized sql commands against the underlying database system. The flaw resides in the improper validation and sanitization of user-supplied input, allowing malicious actors to inject sql payloads that bypass normal authentication mechanisms and gain unauthorized access to sensitive data.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation within the sqrl_verify.php script where the message parameter is directly incorporated into sql queries without proper sanitization or parameterization. This creates a classic sql injection vector that aligns with CWE-89, which specifically addresses improper neutralization of special elements used in sql commands. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious message parameters containing sql injection payloads that manipulate the database query execution flow, potentially leading to data exfiltration, modification, or complete database compromise. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and requires no special privileges to exploit, making it particularly dangerous in environments where the application has elevated database permissions.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-5458 extends beyond simple data theft, as it can enable attackers to perform complete system compromise through database manipulation. Remote attackers can leverage this vulnerability to extract sensitive information including user credentials, personal data, and application configuration details stored within the database. The attack surface is particularly concerning because the sqrl protocol is designed for secure authentication, and compromising the verification component undermines the entire security model. This vulnerability can be exploited through standard web application attacks, including those categorized under the attack technique of T1190 - Exploit Public-Facing Application in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, where adversaries target web applications to gain initial access or escalate privileges.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-5458 require immediate implementation of proper input validation and parameterized queries within the sqrl_verify.php script. Organizations should implement prepared statements or parameterized queries to ensure that user input cannot be interpreted as sql commands, which directly addresses the CWE-89 weakness. Additionally, the application should employ proper input sanitization techniques and validate all message parameter values against expected formats before processing. Regular security audits and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the php-sqrl library or related applications. System administrators should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block sql injection attempts, while ensuring that database accounts used by the application have minimal required privileges to limit potential damage from successful exploitation attempts.