CVE-2015-10016 in opensim-utils
Summary
by MITRE • 01/06/2023
A vulnerability, which was classified as critical, has been found in jeff-kelley opensim-utils. Affected by this issue is the function DatabaseForRegion of the file regionscrits.php. The manipulation of the argument region leads to sql injection. The name of the patch is c29e5c729a833a29dbf5b1e505a0553fe154575e. It is recommended to apply a patch to fix this issue. VDB-217550 is the identifier assigned to this vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/29/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-10016 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the jeff-kelley opensim-utils software suite, specifically targeting the DatabaseForRegion function in the regionscrits.php file. This vulnerability arises from insufficient input validation and sanitization of the region parameter, which serves as the primary attack vector for malicious sql injection attempts. The flaw allows attackers to manipulate database queries by injecting malicious sql code through the region argument, potentially compromising the integrity and confidentiality of the underlying database system. The vulnerability's classification as critical reflects the severe potential impact on system security and data integrity, as sql injection attacks can enable unauthorized access to sensitive information, data manipulation, and potentially full system compromise. The patch identifier c29e5c729a833a29dbf5b1e505a0553fe154575e provides the specific fix that addresses this vulnerability by implementing proper input sanitization and parameterized query construction.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows standard sql injection attack patterns where an attacker crafts malicious input that bypasses normal input validation mechanisms. When the DatabaseForRegion function processes the region parameter without proper sanitization, it directly incorporates user-supplied data into sql queries, creating opportunities for attackers to inject malicious sql commands. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-89, which specifically addresses sql injection weaknesses in software applications, and demonstrates how insufficient input validation can lead to severe security consequences. The attack surface is particularly concerning as it targets a database function that likely handles region-related data, potentially exposing sensitive operational information, user credentials, or system configuration details. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple data theft, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to modify database contents, escalate privileges, or even execute arbitrary code on the database server.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risk to organizations utilizing the opensim-utils framework, particularly those managing virtual environments or simulation systems where region data is critical. The attack complexity is relatively low, as sql injection vulnerabilities often require minimal expertise to exploit, making them attractive targets for both skilled and less experienced attackers. The potential impact includes unauthorized data access, data corruption, system compromise, and violation of data protection regulations. Organizations running affected systems face immediate security risks, as the vulnerability could be exploited by automated scanning tools or targeted attacks. The lack of proper input validation in the regionscrits.php file indicates a broader security gap in the application's defensive mechanisms, suggesting that other functions may also be vulnerable to similar injection attacks. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of implementing secure coding practices, including parameterized queries, input validation, and proper error handling to prevent sql injection exploits.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-10016 should prioritize immediate patch application using the provided fix c29e5c729a833a29dbf5b1e505a0553fe154575e, which addresses the core input sanitization issue in the DatabaseForRegion function. Organizations should also implement additional defensive measures including web application firewall rules to detect and block sql injection attempts, database query monitoring to identify suspicious activity, and comprehensive input validation across all user-supplied parameters. The implementation of parameterized queries or prepared statements should be enforced throughout the application to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in other functions. Security teams should conduct thorough code reviews to identify and remediate other potential sql injection vectors within the opensim-utils framework, as this vulnerability likely indicates broader security gaps. Additionally, regular security assessments, vulnerability scanning, and penetration testing should be implemented to proactively identify and address similar security weaknesses in the system infrastructure. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under the T1190 technique for exploitation of vulnerabilities, emphasizing the need for both preventive security measures and rapid response capabilities to address such critical threats.