CVE-2015-4633 in koha
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in Koha 3.14.x before 3.14.16, 3.16.x before 3.16.12, 3.18.x before 3.18.08, and 3.20.x before 3.20.1 allow (1) remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the number parameter to opac-tags_subject.pl in the OPAC interface or (2) remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the Filter or (3) Criteria parameter to reports/borrowers_out.pl in the Staff interface.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/26/2025
The vulnerability CVE-2015-4633 represents a critical SQL injection flaw affecting the Koha integrated library system across multiple version branches including 3.14.x through 3.20.x. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the web application's database interaction layers, specifically in the OPAC (Online Public Access Catalog) and staff interface components. The flaw allows attackers to manipulate database queries through carefully crafted malicious input, potentially leading to unauthorized data access, modification, or deletion. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-89 as SQL injection, which is a well-documented weakness in web applications that fail to properly validate or escape user-supplied data before incorporating it into database queries.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through three distinct attack vectors that target different components of the Koha system. The first vector targets the opac-tags_subject.pl script in the OPAC interface, where the number parameter is not properly sanitized, allowing remote attackers to inject malicious SQL code. The second and third vectors target the reports/borrowers_out.pl script in the staff interface, where the Filter and Criteria parameters are vulnerable to SQL injection attacks. These attack surfaces are particularly dangerous because they can be exploited by both unauthenticated remote attackers who can access the OPAC interface and authenticated staff users who have legitimate access to the system but can leverage their privileges to execute more sophisticated attacks. The vulnerability follows ATT&CK technique T1071.005 for application layer protocol manipulation and T1213.002 for data from information repositories, representing a clear pathway for data exfiltration and system compromise.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-4633 extends beyond simple data theft to encompass complete system compromise and potential regulatory violations. Organizations using vulnerable Koha versions face risks including unauthorized access to patron records, borrowing histories, and sensitive library data that could be exploited for identity theft or other malicious activities. The vulnerability also enables attackers to potentially escalate privileges within the system, modify database structures, or even gain shell access depending on the underlying database configuration and system permissions. The attack surface is particularly concerning for libraries that handle sensitive personal information, as the exploitation could violate privacy regulations such as GDPR or other data protection laws. The vulnerability affects the core functionality of the library management system, potentially disrupting services and requiring immediate remediation efforts.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-4633 must prioritize immediate patching of affected systems to version 3.14.16, 3.16.12, 3.18.08, or 3.20.1 respectively, as these releases contain the necessary code fixes to address the input validation issues. Organizations should also implement input validation and sanitization measures at multiple layers including web application firewalls, database access controls, and regular security code reviews. The implementation of prepared statements and parameterized queries should be enforced throughout the application to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in the future. Additionally, network segmentation and access controls should be strengthened to limit exposure of vulnerable components, and regular security assessments should be conducted to identify and remediate similar weaknesses. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and implementing robust security development practices that align with industry standards such as those outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity frameworks.