CVE-2015-5504 in Payment Module Ubercart module
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in the Novalnet Payment Module Ubercart module for Drupal allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/18/2017
The CVE-2015-5504 vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw within the Novalnet Payment Module for Drupal's Ubercart platform, exposing systems to remote code execution risks. This vulnerability specifically targets the payment processing module that integrates with Drupal's e-commerce framework, creating a pathway for malicious actors to manipulate database queries through crafted input vectors. The flaw exists in the module's handling of user-supplied data during payment processing transactions, where insufficient input validation allows attackers to inject malicious sql commands that bypass normal security controls. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple data theft as it enables full database compromise, potentially allowing attackers to extract sensitive customer information, modify payment records, or escalate privileges within the affected system.
The technical implementation of this sql injection vulnerability stems from improper sanitization of input parameters within the Novalnet Payment Module's database interaction code. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious payloads that manipulate the sql query structure during payment processing operations, leading to unauthorized database access. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-89 which specifically addresses sql injection flaws, where inadequate input validation and improper query construction create exploitable conditions. The attack surface is particularly concerning as it operates at the database layer, allowing for direct manipulation of backend data stores without requiring authentication for the application itself. This vulnerability demonstrates a fundamental failure in the module's security design where user input is directly incorporated into sql statements without proper parameterization or escaping mechanisms.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-5504 extends far beyond immediate data compromise, creating cascading security risks for organizations using affected Drupal installations. Successful exploitation can result in complete database infiltration, customer data breaches, payment fraud, and potential system compromise that may serve as a foothold for further attacks. The vulnerability's remote nature eliminates the need for physical access or local system compromise, making it particularly dangerous for web applications handling sensitive financial transactions. Organizations using this payment module face significant regulatory and compliance risks, as the vulnerability directly impacts pci dss requirements for secure handling of cardholder data. The attack vector typically involves manipulation of payment parameters during checkout processes, where malicious actors can inject sql commands that execute with the privileges of the database user account, potentially leading to full system compromise. This vulnerability also creates opportunities for attackers to establish persistence within the system through database backdoors or by modifying payment processing logic.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-5504 require immediate action to address the sql injection vulnerability through multiple defensive layers. Organizations should implement the latest security patches provided by the module developers, as well as apply proper input validation and parameterized queries to prevent future exploitation attempts. The recommended approach includes applying the official security updates from the Novalnet Payment Module maintainers and Drupal core, while also implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious sql injection attempts. Database access controls should be reviewed and restricted to minimize the impact of potential exploitation, with proper privilege separation ensuring that payment processing applications operate with minimal required permissions. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive security assessments of their payment processing infrastructure, implement proper logging and monitoring for sql injection attempts, and establish incident response procedures specifically addressing database compromise scenarios. The vulnerability highlights the importance of regular security audits and vulnerability management processes, as well as adherence to secure coding practices that prevent sql injection through proper input validation and parameterized query usage.