CVE-2015-7390 in TestLink
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in TestLink before 1.9.14 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the apikey parameter to lnl.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/19/2019
The CVE-2015-7390 vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw in the TestLink test management platform prior to version 1.9.14. This vulnerability specifically affects the lnl.php endpoint and exploits the apikey parameter, creating a dangerous attack vector that allows remote threat actors to execute arbitrary sql commands on the underlying database system. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the application's authentication and authorization processes, where user-supplied apikey values are directly incorporated into sql query constructions without proper escaping or parameterization.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through carefully crafted apikey values that contain malicious sql payloads designed to manipulate the database query execution flow. When an attacker submits a malformed apikey parameter to the lnl.php endpoint, the application fails to properly validate or sanitize the input before incorporating it into sql statements. This allows attackers to inject sql syntax that can manipulate database operations, potentially leading to data extraction, modification, or deletion. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and requires no authentication for exploitation, making it particularly dangerous as it can be leveraged by any remote attacker with access to the target system.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability exposes organizations using TestLink versions prior to 1.9.14 to significant risks including unauthorized data access, data corruption, and potential complete database compromise. The sql injection can be used to extract sensitive test data, user credentials, or configuration information stored within the TestLink database. Additionally, attackers could modify or delete test cases, test plans, or other critical test management data, disrupting the entire testing infrastructure and potentially compromising software quality assurance processes. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the test management system, with potential cascading effects on software development and deployment workflows.
Security practitioners should immediately upgrade to TestLink version 1.9.14 or later to remediate this vulnerability, as no effective workarounds exist for the underlying code flaws. The fix implemented in version 1.9.14 includes proper input validation and parameterized query construction to prevent sql injection attacks. Organizations should also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of the TestLink application to untrusted networks. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-89 sql injection weakness and maps to attack techniques in the ATT&CK framework under T1190 exploitation for credential access and T1070 indicator removal for maintaining persistence. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation and proper database query construction in preventing remote code execution through sql injection attacks, particularly in applications handling sensitive test data and authentication credentials.