CVE-2015-5648 in phpRechnung
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in list.php in phpRechnung before 1.6.5 allows remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary SQL commands via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/29/2018
The CVE-2015-5648 vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw within the phpRechnung accounting software suite, specifically affecting versions prior to 1.6.5. This vulnerability resides in the list.php script which serves as a core component for displaying various data lists within the application's user interface. The flaw manifests as an insufficient input validation mechanism that fails to properly sanitize user-supplied data before incorporating it into sql query constructs. Security researchers have identified that this weakness allows authenticated attackers to manipulate the application's database interactions through carefully crafted inputs that bypass normal security controls. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple data retrieval as it provides attackers with the ability to execute arbitrary sql commands against the underlying database system, potentially leading to complete system compromise or data exfiltration.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper parameter handling within the list.php script where user inputs are directly concatenated into sql statements without adequate sanitization or parameterization. This pattern aligns with CWE-89, which specifically addresses sql injection vulnerabilities resulting from inadequate input validation and improper use of database query construction techniques. The vulnerability requires authentication to exploit, meaning that an attacker must first obtain valid user credentials to leverage this flaw effectively, though this does not mitigate the severity of potential damage. Attackers can manipulate various parameters within the application's list display functionality to inject malicious sql payloads that can modify, retrieve, or delete database records. The vulnerability's exploitation pathway demonstrates a classic sql injection attack vector where the attacker crafts inputs designed to alter the intended sql execution flow, potentially gaining access to sensitive information or executing administrative commands through the database interface.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-5648 extends significantly beyond typical data integrity concerns as it provides authenticated attackers with substantial database access privileges. Once exploited, an attacker could potentially access sensitive financial records, user credentials, and other confidential business data stored within the phpRechnung database. The vulnerability's presence in a financial accounting application like phpRechnung creates particular risk as it could enable unauthorized financial transactions, data manipulation, or complete system compromise. Organizations using affected versions of phpRechnung face potential regulatory compliance violations, financial losses, and reputational damage. The vulnerability's exploitation could also serve as a foothold for further attacks within a network environment, as database credentials and access patterns obtained through this vulnerability could be used to escalate privileges or access other connected systems. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that phpRechnung is designed for business use cases where sensitive financial data is typically stored and managed.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-5648 must prioritize immediate software updates to version 1.6.5 or later, which includes proper input validation and parameterization fixes. Organizations should implement comprehensive database access controls and ensure that the application runs with minimal database privileges to limit potential damage from successful exploitation attempts. The remediation process should include thorough code review of all sql query construction methods to identify and address similar vulnerabilities within the application codebase. Security teams should deploy web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts targeting this specific vulnerability. Additionally, implementing proper input sanitization, using prepared statements, and conducting regular security assessments can prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in future code releases. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date software components and following secure coding practices that align with industry standards such as those recommended by the owasp foundation and the mitre corporation's attack framework. Organizations should also consider implementing automated patch management processes to ensure timely deployment of security updates across all affected systems.