CVE-2017-11475 in GLPI
Summary
by MITRE
GLPI before 9.1.5.1 has SQL Injection in the condition rule field, exploitable via front/rulesengine.test.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/13/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-11475 affects GLPI versions prior to 9.1.5.1 and represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the condition rule field of the rules engine. This vulnerability exists in the front/rulesengine.test.php component, which processes rule evaluations and condition matching within the GLPI infrastructure. The flaw allows attackers to manipulate database queries through crafted input in rule condition fields, potentially enabling unauthorized access to sensitive data and system compromise. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization of user-provided data that is directly incorporated into SQL query construction without proper escaping or parameterization mechanisms.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker submits malicious input through the rule condition interface, specifically targeting the rulesengine.test.php endpoint. This endpoint processes rule evaluations and condition matching, making it a prime target for SQL injection attacks. The flaw manifests as improper handling of user-supplied data that flows directly into database queries without adequate sanitization, allowing attackers to inject malicious SQL code. According to CWE classification, this represents a CWE-89: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command, which is a well-documented and dangerous vulnerability category. The attack vector is particularly concerning as it operates through the web interface, requiring no special privileges beyond basic user access to the GLPI system.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-11475 extends beyond simple data theft to encompass full database compromise and potential system lateral movement. Successful exploitation could allow attackers to extract sensitive information including user credentials, system configurations, and organizational data stored within GLPI's database. The vulnerability also opens pathways for privilege escalation and persistence mechanisms, as attackers could manipulate rule conditions to maintain access or modify system behavior. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1071.004: Application Layer Protocol: DNS and T1046: Network Service Scanning, as attackers would likely use this vulnerability to enumerate database structures and identify additional attack vectors. The impact is particularly severe in enterprise environments where GLPI serves as a central asset management and helpdesk system, potentially exposing critical infrastructure information.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-11475 should prioritize immediate patching of affected GLPI installations to version 9.1.5.1 or later, which contains the necessary input validation and sanitization fixes. Organizations should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of the rulesengine.test.php endpoint, particularly restricting direct web access to administrative interfaces. Database query parameterization and input validation should be enforced across all user-facing interfaces, with regular security code reviews to identify similar patterns. Network monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous SQL query patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and database activity monitoring systems can provide additional layers of defense. Organizations should also conduct regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing to identify similar injection vulnerabilities in other components of their GLPI infrastructure. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing to ensure that patched systems maintain full functionality while eliminating the SQL injection vulnerability. Security awareness training for administrators should emphasize the importance of keeping software updated and recognizing potential exploitation indicators.