CVE-2015-5725 in CodeIgniter
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in the offset method in the Active Record class in CodeIgniter before 2.2.4 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via vectors involving the offset variable.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/08/2023
The CVE-2015-5725 vulnerability represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the CodeIgniter web application framework that affects versions prior to 2.2.4. This vulnerability specifically targets the Active Record class's offset method, which is commonly used for database pagination operations in web applications. The flaw arises from insufficient input validation and sanitization of the offset parameter, creating an exploitable entry point for malicious actors to manipulate database queries. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands without requiring authentication, making it a significant threat to web application security. The issue stems from the framework's failure to properly escape or validate user-supplied input before incorporating it into database queries, which directly violates fundamental security principles for database interaction.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs within the Active Record class where the offset method processes pagination parameters. When developers use the offset functionality for database result sets, the framework accepts user input directly into the SQL query construction without adequate sanitization. Attackers can manipulate the offset parameter to inject malicious SQL code that gets executed by the database server. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-89 category of SQL Injection, specifically classified as a direct SQL injection where user input is directly concatenated into SQL commands. The attack vector is particularly insidious because it leverages legitimate framework functionality, making it harder to detect through standard security monitoring. The vulnerability enables attackers to perform unauthorized database operations including data extraction, modification, deletion, and potentially gaining elevated privileges within the database environment.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-5725 extends beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with comprehensive database access capabilities that can lead to complete system compromise. Remote code execution becomes possible through database-level attacks, potentially allowing attackers to escalate privileges or establish persistent access to the underlying infrastructure. Organizations running affected CodeIgniter versions face significant risks including data breaches, service disruption, and compliance violations. The vulnerability affects any application utilizing the framework's Active Record class with pagination features, making it widespread across numerous web applications. Security teams must consider the potential for data exfiltration, database corruption, and the possibility of attackers using the compromised system as a launch point for further attacks within the network infrastructure. This vulnerability also impacts the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected systems, representing a complete failure of the application's security controls.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-5725 require immediate action to upgrade affected CodeIgniter installations to version 2.2.4 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the SQL injection vulnerability. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation and sanitization measures, ensuring all user-supplied parameters are properly escaped before database processing. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by limiting database user permissions to only required operations and implementing proper access controls. Regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities within the application codebase. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of protection against exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of keeping web application frameworks updated and following secure coding practices as outlined in the OWASP Top Ten security guidelines. Organizations should also consider implementing database activity monitoring and logging to detect suspicious query patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. The remediation process must include thorough testing to ensure that the patch does not introduce regressions in application functionality while maintaining the security posture against similar threats.