CVE-2017-14396 in osTicket
Summary
by MITRE
In osTicket 1.10, SQL injection is possible by constructing an array via use of square brackets at the end of a parameter name, as demonstrated by the key parameter to file.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/03/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-14396 represents a critical SQL injection flaw affecting osTicket version 1.10, a widely used open source help desk ticketing system. This vulnerability stems from improper input validation and sanitization within the application's parameter handling mechanism, specifically when processing array-like parameters through square bracket notation. The flaw manifests when attackers can manipulate parameter names ending with square brackets to inject malicious SQL code, thereby bypassing conventional input filtering mechanisms that typically protect against such attacks.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of HTTP request parameters, particularly targeting the key parameter in the file.php endpoint. When osTicket processes these parameters, it fails to properly sanitize or validate the array construction syntax that utilizes square brackets, allowing attackers to inject arbitrary SQL commands. This occurs because the application's input handling routine does not adequately distinguish between legitimate array parameter construction and malicious SQL injection attempts, creating a pathway for unauthorized database access and potential data exfiltration.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to organizations utilizing osTicket for customer support management. Attackers can exploit this flaw to execute unauthorized database queries, potentially gaining access to sensitive customer information, support ticket data, user credentials, and system configuration details. The impact extends beyond simple data theft to include potential system compromise, as successful SQL injection attacks can lead to privilege escalation, data manipulation, and in severe cases, full system control. Organizations relying on osTicket for their help desk operations face substantial risk of exposure to unauthorized access and data breaches.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection weaknesses in software applications, and demonstrates characteristics consistent with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol manipulation. This flaw represents a classic example of improper input validation where the application fails to properly handle parameter parsing, particularly in the context of array-like parameter structures. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including patching to the latest osTicket version, implementing proper input validation routines, and deploying web application firewalls to monitor and block suspicious parameter patterns. Additionally, comprehensive security testing should include validation of parameter handling mechanisms to prevent similar vulnerabilities in other components of the application stack.