CVE-2014-7871 in AppSuite
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in Open-Xchange (OX) AppSuite before 7.4.2-rev36 and 7.6.x before 7.6.0-rev23 allows remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary SQL commands via a crafted jslob API call.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/04/2022
The CVE-2014-7871 vulnerability represents a critical SQL injection flaw discovered in Open-Xchange AppSuite software versions prior to 7.4.2-rev36 and 7.6.x versions before 7.6.0-rev23. This vulnerability specifically targets the jslob API endpoint, which serves as a critical interface for handling JavaScript object serialization and deserialization within the application's web services. The flaw enables authenticated attackers with valid user credentials to inject malicious SQL commands through crafted API requests, potentially compromising the underlying database infrastructure. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple data theft as it provides attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary database operations, including data modification, deletion, and unauthorized access to sensitive information stored within the application's database.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the jslob API endpoint where input validation mechanisms fail to properly sanitize user-supplied data before incorporating it into SQL query construction. When authenticated users submit maliciously crafted requests containing SQL injection payloads, the application's insufficient input sanitization allows these payloads to be directly executed within the database context. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-89 which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws in software applications. The vulnerability's classification as a remote authenticated attack means that exploitation requires valid user credentials but does not require physical access to the system, making it particularly dangerous in environments where user accounts may be compromised through social engineering or credential theft attacks. The attack vector specifically targets the application's API layer where user input is processed and transformed into database queries without adequate protection mechanisms.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-7871 is severe and multifaceted, potentially allowing attackers to gain complete control over the database backend serving the Open-Xchange application. Successful exploitation could result in unauthorized data access, data modification, or complete database compromise, which would directly affect the integrity and availability of enterprise email and collaboration services. Organizations relying on Open-Xchange AppSuite for business-critical communications would face significant risks including potential data breaches, service disruption, and compliance violations. The vulnerability's presence in widely deployed versions of the software means that numerous enterprises could be affected, particularly those that had not yet applied the necessary security patches. This type of vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 which covers application layer protocol manipulation and can be leveraged as part of broader attack chains leading to persistent access and lateral movement within affected networks.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should prioritize immediate patching of their Open-Xchange installations to versions 7.4.2-rev36 or 7.6.0-rev23, which contain the necessary security fixes. Additionally, network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit the blast radius of potential exploitation, particularly around the jslob API endpoints. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual API activity patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, including monitoring for SQL injection patterns in application logs. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and implementing proper input validation controls at all layers of application architecture. Organizations should also consider implementing database activity monitoring solutions and regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in their broader technology stack, as this type of flaw can often be found in applications with insufficient security controls around database interaction points. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing to ensure that the patches do not introduce regressions in application functionality while maintaining the security improvements necessary to prevent future exploitation attempts.