CVE-2014-5462 in OpenEMR
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in OpenEMR 4.1.2 (Patch 7) and earlier allow remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the (1) layout_id parameter to interface/super/edit_layout.php; (2) form_patient_id, (3) form_drug_name, or (4) form_lot_number parameter to interface/reports/prescriptions_report.php; (5) payment_id parameter to interface/billing/edit_payment.php; (6) id parameter to interface/forms_admin/forms_admin.php; (7) form_pid or (8) form_encounter parameter to interface/billing/sl_eob_search.php; (9) sortby parameter to interface/logview/logview.php; form_facility parameter to (10) procedure_stats.php, (11) pending_followup.php, or (12) pending_orders.php in interface/orders/; (13) patient, (14) encounterid, (15) formid, or (16) issue parameter to interface/patient_file/deleter.php; (17) search_term parameter to interface/patient_file/encounter/coding_popup.php; (18) text parameter to interface/patient_file/encounter/search_code.php; (19) form_addr1, (20) form_addr2, (21) form_attn, (22) form_country, (23) form_freeb_type, (24) form_partner, (25) form_name, (26) form_zip, (27) form_state, (28) form_city, or (29) form_cms_id parameter to interface/practice/ins_search.php; (30) form_pid parameter to interface/patient_file/problem_encounter.php; (31) patient, (32) form_provider, (33) form_apptstatus, or (34) form_facility parameter to interface/reports/appointments_report.php; (35) db_id parameter to interface/patient_file/summary/demographics_save.php; (36) p parameter to interface/fax/fax_dispatch_newpid.php; or (37) patient_id parameter to interface/patient_file/reminder/patient_reminders.php.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/06/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-5462 represents a critical SQL injection flaw affecting OpenEMR versions 4.1.2 and earlier, specifically within the medical practice management system that handles sensitive patient health information. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms that permit authenticated users to inject malicious SQL commands through multiple parameter vectors across various application modules. The flaw is particularly concerning as it affects core administrative and reporting functionalities, potentially allowing attackers with valid credentials to gain unauthorized access to the underlying database system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability manifests through improper parameter handling in numerous PHP scripts that process user inputs without adequate sanitization or parameterized query construction. The affected parameters span across different functional areas including layout management, prescription reporting, billing operations, patient encounter handling, appointment scheduling, and demographic data management. Each of these entry points represents a potential vector for attackers to manipulate database queries and execute arbitrary SQL commands, effectively bypassing normal authentication and authorization controls. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited by authenticated users who have legitimate access to the system, making it particularly dangerous as it leverages existing user privileges.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft to encompass complete database compromise and potential system infiltration. Attackers could extract sensitive patient medical records, modify billing information, manipulate appointment schedules, and potentially escalate privileges within the database environment. The attack surface is extensive given the number of vulnerable parameters across different modules, making comprehensive exploitation possible through various attack paths. This vulnerability directly violates security principles outlined in CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws where untrusted data is incorporated into SQL commands without proper sanitization or parameterization.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate patching of affected OpenEMR versions to the latest available releases that address these SQL injection vulnerabilities. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation and parameterized query approaches across all database interaction points, ensuring that user inputs are properly sanitized before being processed. The implementation of web application firewalls and database activity monitoring systems can provide additional layers of protection. Security controls should include regular vulnerability assessments, code reviews focusing on input handling, and enforcement of least privilege principles for database access. These measures align with ATT&CK framework techniques related to command and control through database manipulation and credential access through privilege escalation. Organizations must also consider implementing database audit trails to detect and respond to unauthorized access attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure coding practices and regular security updates in healthcare information systems where patient data protection is paramount.