CVE-2016-10551 in waterline-sequel
Summary
by MITRE
waterline-sequel is a module that helps generate SQL statements for Waterline apps Any user input that goes into Waterline's `like`, `contains`, `startsWith`, or `endsWith` will end up in waterline-sequel with the potential for malicious code. A malicious user can input their own SQL statements in waterline-sequel 0.50 that will get executed and have full access to the database.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/17/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-10551 resides within the waterline-sequel module, a critical component that facilitates SQL statement generation for Waterline applications. This module serves as a bridge between the Waterline ORM and database backends, processing user inputs through various query methods including like, contains, startsWith, and endsWith. The flaw manifests when user-provided data flows directly into these methods without proper sanitization or parameterization, creating a pathway for malicious actors to inject arbitrary SQL commands. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it operates at the data access layer where database operations are translated from application logic into executable SQL queries.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the waterline-sequel module version 0.50. When developers utilize Waterline's query methods with user-supplied data, the module fails to properly escape or parameterize these inputs before incorporating them into generated SQL statements. This creates a classic SQL injection vulnerability where malicious input can alter the intended SQL execution flow. The vulnerability maps directly to CWE-89, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in SQL commands, and represents a failure in input sanitization practices that should be enforced at the database abstraction layer. Attackers can exploit this by crafting input strings that contain SQL syntax, effectively bypassing normal query execution boundaries and gaining unauthorized database access.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with complete database access and control. Successful exploitation allows malicious users to execute arbitrary SQL commands, potentially leading to data exfiltration, data manipulation, privilege escalation, and even system compromise if database users have elevated permissions. The vulnerability affects any application using waterline-sequel 0.50 with user inputs processed through the affected query methods, making it particularly dangerous in web applications where user input is common. From an ATT&CK perspective, this vulnerability aligns with technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol usage and T1046 for network service scanning, as attackers can use it to discover database schemas and extract sensitive information. The attack surface is broad since any application utilizing Waterline ORM with database queries that accept user input through these methods is potentially vulnerable.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-10551 require immediate action to address the root cause through proper input sanitization and parameterization. Organizations should upgrade to waterline-sequel versions that implement proper input validation and SQL escaping mechanisms, as the vulnerability was resolved in subsequent releases. Developers must ensure that all user inputs are properly parameterized before being passed to database query methods, avoiding direct string concatenation that could introduce SQL injection vectors. Security best practices dictate implementing a whitelist approach for input validation, where only expected character sets and patterns are accepted. Additionally, database access should be restricted through proper privilege management, ensuring that application database users have minimal required permissions. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper database abstraction layer security and reinforces the need for comprehensive input validation at all levels of application architecture. Regular security audits and dependency updates should be implemented to prevent similar issues in other database abstraction components.