CVE-2016-10550 in sequalize
Summary
by MITRE
sequalize is an Object-relational mapping, or a middleman to convert things from Postgres, MySQL, MariaDB, SQLite and Microsoft SQL Server into usable data for NodeJS If user input goes into the `limit` or `order` parameters, a malicious user can put in their own SQL statements. This affects sequelize 3.16.0 and earlier.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/19/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-10550 resides within the sequelize JavaScript library, which serves as an object-relational mapping tool facilitating database interactions for Node.js applications. This library acts as a crucial middleware component that translates database operations from various SQL dialects including Postgres, MySQL, MariaDB, SQLite, and Microsoft SQL Server into manageable JavaScript objects. The flaw specifically manifests in the handling of user-supplied input within the limit and order parameters of database queries, creating a potential pathway for SQL injection attacks. When developers incorporate user input directly into these parameters without proper sanitization, the library fails to adequately escape or validate the input before incorporating it into the generated SQL statements. This vulnerability affects all versions of sequelize prior to 3.16.0, making it a significant concern for applications that have not been updated to address this security gap.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the improper handling of user-controllable parameters within the query building process. When a malicious actor provides crafted input to the limit or order parameters, the sequelize library processes this input without sufficient validation, allowing arbitrary SQL commands to be executed within the database context. The CWE-89 classification applies here, as this represents a classic SQL injection vulnerability where untrusted data flows into SQL command construction. The attack vector specifically targets the query builder functionality of sequelize, where user input is directly concatenated into SQL statements rather than being properly parameterized or escaped. This flaw enables attackers to manipulate database queries to perform unauthorized operations such as data extraction, modification, or deletion, potentially leading to complete database compromise.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-10550 extends beyond simple data exposure, as it can enable attackers to escalate privileges within the database environment and potentially gain access to sensitive information across multiple applications. Applications utilizing vulnerable versions of sequelize are at risk of unauthorized data access, data corruption, and potential system compromise. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the ORM layer, meaning that even developers who implement proper input validation at higher application levels may still be vulnerable due to the flawed query construction at the database abstraction level. This creates a scenario where attackers can bypass traditional application-level security controls and directly exploit the database interaction layer. The ATT&CK framework's T1071.004 technique applies here, as this vulnerability enables adversaries to conduct data manipulation and extraction through database command injection.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-10550 require immediate action to upgrade to sequelize version 3.16.0 or later, where the vulnerability has been addressed through proper input validation and sanitization. Organizations should conduct comprehensive audits of their application code to identify all instances where user input is directly incorporated into limit and order parameters without proper escaping or validation. Additionally, implementing proper parameterized queries, input sanitization, and using prepared statements can help prevent similar vulnerabilities in other parts of the application stack. Regular security assessments and dependency updates should be implemented as part of the security operations framework to prevent the exploitation of known vulnerabilities. The fix implemented in the updated sequelize versions ensures that user input within these parameters is properly escaped or parameterized, preventing malicious SQL commands from being executed within the database context.