CVE-2014-8089 in Zend
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in Zend Framework before 1.12.9, 2.2.x before 2.2.8, and 2.3.x before 2.3.3, when using the sqlsrv PHP extension, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via a null byte.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/23/2022
The CVE-2014-8089 vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw affecting the zend framework versions prior to specific patches. This vulnerability specifically manifests when the sqlsrv php extension is utilized, creating a dangerous condition where remote attackers can execute arbitrary sql commands. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the framework's database abstraction layer, particularly when processing user-supplied data through sqlsrv connections.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of input parameters that contain null bytes, which are then improperly handled by the framework's sql query construction methods. When the sqlsrv extension processes these malformed inputs, the null byte injection allows attackers to terminate strings prematurely and inject malicious sql code into the execution flow. This vulnerability falls under the common weakness enumeration category CWE-89, which specifically addresses sql injection vulnerabilities, and aligns with attack techniques documented in the attack tree under TA0002 execution and TA0006 privilege escalation categories. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic case of improper input sanitization where the framework fails to properly escape or validate null byte sequences before incorporating them into sql queries.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected database system. Remote adversaries can extract sensitive data, modify database contents, delete records, and potentially escalate privileges within the database environment. The vulnerability affects multiple framework versions including 1.12.8 and earlier, 2.2.7 and earlier, and 2.3.2 and earlier releases, indicating a widespread exposure across the zend framework ecosystem. Organizations using these vulnerable versions face significant risk of data breaches, unauthorized access to sensitive information, and potential system compromise through database-level attacks. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the database abstraction layer, meaning that applications built on the framework inherit this risk regardless of their own input validation measures.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of affected zend framework versions to the secure releases 1.12.9, 2.2.8, and 2.3.3 respectively. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation at all application layers, including proper escaping of special characters and null bytes before database interaction. Additionally, database access should be restricted through proper privilege management, ensuring that applications use accounts with minimal required permissions. Network-level defenses should include intrusion detection systems that monitor for sql injection patterns and database firewalls that can detect anomalous sql command sequences. The implementation of web application firewalls and regular security assessments can help identify and prevent exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing database activity monitoring solutions that can detect unusual query patterns and unauthorized data access attempts, as these can serve as early warning indicators of potential exploitation attempts against this vulnerability.