CVE-2016-4999 in Dashbuilder
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in the getStringParameterSQL method in main/java/org/dashbuilder/dataprovider/sql/dialect/DefaultDialect.java in Dashbuilder before 0.6.0.Beta1 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via a data set lookup filter in the (1) Data Set Authoring or (2) Displayer editor UI.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/13/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-4999 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the Dashbuilder data visualization platform, specifically affecting versions prior to 0.6.0.Beta1. This vulnerability exists within the DefaultDialect.java file, which handles SQL dialect operations for data set lookups. The flaw manifests in the getStringParameterSQL method, where user-supplied input from the data set lookup filter is not properly sanitized or parameterized before being incorporated into SQL queries. The attack vector exploits the Data Set Authoring and Displayer editor UI components, allowing remote attackers to inject malicious SQL commands through filter parameters that are subsequently processed by the vulnerable method.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-89, which categorizes SQL injection as a weakness where untrusted data is incorporated into SQL commands without proper validation or escaping mechanisms. The vulnerability occurs when user input from the UI filter fields is directly concatenated into SQL query strings rather than being properly parameterized or escaped. This creates a scenario where an attacker can manipulate the SQL execution context by injecting malicious SQL fragments that bypass normal input validation. The impact is particularly severe because the vulnerability affects the core data processing functionality of Dashbuilder, potentially allowing full database access and command execution capabilities.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it enables attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands on the underlying database system. Remote attackers could potentially extract sensitive information, modify database records, delete data, or even escalate privileges within the database environment. The vulnerability's presence in both the Data Set Authoring and Displayer editor UI components means that any user with access to these interfaces could potentially exploit the flaw, making it particularly dangerous in multi-user environments. The attack requires minimal privileges since the vulnerability exists in the application's core processing logic rather than requiring elevated system access.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-4999 should prioritize immediate patching to version 0.6.0.Beta1 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for the SQL injection vulnerability. Organizations should implement proper input validation and parameterization techniques throughout their applications, ensuring that all user-supplied data is properly escaped or parameterized before database queries are executed. The fix typically involves implementing prepared statements or parameterized queries to prevent the concatenation of user input into SQL command strings. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive security testing of their Dashbuilder installations and implement network segmentation to limit access to the vulnerable UI components. This vulnerability also highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and adhering to the principle of least privilege, as recommended by the ATT&CK framework's defense in depth strategies.