CVE-2015-1369 in Sequelize
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in Sequelize before 2.0.0-rc7 for Node.js allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the order parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/12/2022
The SQL injection vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-1369 affects the Sequelize JavaScript object-relational mapping library for Node.js prior to version 2.0.0-rc7. This vulnerability resides in how the library processes the order parameter within database query constructions, creating a critical security gap that enables remote attackers to inject malicious SQL commands. The flaw specifically manifests when applications using Sequelize construct queries with user-supplied data in the order clause, allowing attackers to manipulate the intended query execution flow. This vulnerability represents a classic SQL injection attack vector where improper input sanitization permits arbitrary command execution within the database context.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate parameter binding and input validation within Sequelize's query building mechanisms. When developers pass user-controllable data into the order parameter without proper sanitization, the library fails to properly escape or parameterize these inputs before incorporating them into the SQL statement. This creates an exploitable condition where attackers can inject malicious SQL fragments that bypass normal query parsing and execution boundaries. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and requires no special privileges to exploit, making it particularly dangerous in environments where Sequelize is used for database interactions. The flaw aligns with CWE-89 which specifically addresses SQL injection vulnerabilities, and represents a direct violation of secure coding practices for database interaction.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-1369 extends beyond simple data theft, potentially allowing attackers to execute destructive operations including data modification, deletion, or unauthorized access to sensitive information. Remote attackers can leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges within the database, execute arbitrary commands, and potentially gain persistence within the system. The attack surface is broad as any application using Sequelize with user-controllable order parameters becomes vulnerable, affecting web applications, APIs, and services that rely on database sorting functionality. Organizations running affected versions face significant risk of data breaches, compliance violations, and potential system compromise, particularly in environments where database credentials have elevated privileges. This vulnerability directly maps to tactics in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under T1071.004 for Application Layer Protocol and T1046 for Network Service Scanning.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of Sequelize to version 2.0.0-rc7 or later, which implements proper input sanitization and parameter binding for the order parameter. Organizations should conduct comprehensive code reviews to identify all instances where user input is passed to Sequelize query methods, particularly focusing on order clauses and other dynamic query components. Implementing input validation and parameterized queries should become standard practice, with additional layers of security including database user privilege reduction, query logging, and intrusion detection systems. Security teams should establish monitoring procedures to detect unusual database activity patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Regular vulnerability assessments and dependency updates should be integrated into the development lifecycle to prevent similar issues from emerging in the future, emphasizing the importance of maintaining up-to-date security practices and adhering to secure coding standards throughout the software development process.