CVE-2016-10556 in sequalize Module
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 In Postgres, SQLite, and Microsoft SQL Server there is an issue where arrays are treated as strings and improperly escaped. This causes potential SQL injection in sequelize 3.19.3 and earlier, where a malicious user could put `["test", "'); DELETE TestTable WHERE Id = 1 --')"]` inside of ``` database.query('SELECT * FROM TestTable WHERE Name IN (:names)', { replacements: { names: directCopyOfUserInput } }); ``` and cause the SQL statement to become `SELECT Id FROM Table WHERE Name IN ('test', '\'); DELETE TestTable WHERE Id = 1 --')`. In Postgres, MSSQL, and SQLite, the backslash has no special meaning. This causes the the statement to delete whichever Id has a value of 1 in the TestTable table.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/17/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-10556 affects the sequelize JavaScript object-relational mapping library, specifically impacting versions 3.19.3 and earlier. This security flaw resides in the library's handling of array parameters when executing database queries against PostgreSQL, SQLite, and Microsoft SQL Server databases. The issue stems from improper escaping of array elements during query construction, creating a pathway for malicious input to be interpreted as executable SQL code rather than simple data values. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it allows attackers to inject arbitrary SQL commands through what appears to be legitimate array parameter usage, fundamentally undermining the security assumptions of parameterized queries that sequelize is designed to provide.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of array input parameters passed to database queries. When sequelize processes array data for these specific database systems, it fails to properly escape special characters within array elements, particularly the backslash character that serves as an escape sequence in SQL. The vulnerability manifests when a user provides an array containing malicious SQL code as one of its elements, such as the example demonstrating `["test", "'); DELETE TestTable WHERE Id = 1 --')"]`. During query execution, this input gets converted into a malformed SQL statement where the backslash character does not trigger proper escaping behavior in PostgreSQL, SQLite, or Microsoft SQL Server, allowing the injected SQL commands to execute as part of the original query. This represents a classic SQL injection vulnerability where user input is not properly sanitized before being incorporated into database commands.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data corruption or unauthorized access, as it can lead to complete database compromise through unauthorized data deletion, modification, or exposure. Attackers can leverage this flaw to perform destructive operations such as deleting entire tables, modifying critical data, or extracting sensitive information from database systems. The vulnerability affects all applications using sequelize with PostgreSQL, SQLite, or Microsoft SQL Server databases, making it particularly widespread in Node.js environments where this library is commonly deployed. Organizations using affected versions face significant risk when processing user input through array parameters in database queries, as even a single malicious input could result in substantial data loss or system compromise. The vulnerability's stealth nature makes detection challenging since the malicious SQL injection appears to originate from legitimate application functionality rather than obvious attack vectors.
Organizations should immediately upgrade to sequelize version 3.19.4 or later, which includes the necessary patches to properly escape array elements in database queries. System administrators should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify all applications using affected sequelize versions and ensure proper input validation is implemented at multiple layers of the application architecture. The fix implemented by the sequelize team addresses the core issue by ensuring that array elements undergo proper escaping regardless of the target database system's specific handling of escape sequences. Security teams should also implement monitoring for unusual database activities that might indicate exploitation attempts, as well as consider implementing web application firewalls or additional input validation mechanisms as defensive measures. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-89 which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws, and represents a technique that could be categorized under ATT&CK tactic TA0006 (Credential Access) and technique T1078 (Valid Accounts) when combined with other exploitation methods. The vulnerability also demonstrates how improper input handling in middleware components can create chain reactions that compromise entire database systems, highlighting the critical importance of secure coding practices in database interaction libraries.