CVE-2017-14738 in FileRun
Summary
by MITRE
FileRun (version 2017.09.18 and below) suffers from a remote SQL injection vulnerability due to a failure to sanitize input in the metafield parameter inside the metasearch module (under the search function).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/29/2025
CVE-2017-14738 represents a critical remote SQL injection vulnerability affecting FileRun versions 2017.09.18 and earlier, specifically within the metasearch module's search functionality. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input sanitization of the metafield parameter, creating a pathway for malicious actors to execute arbitrary SQL commands against the underlying database. The flaw exists in the application's handling of user-supplied data within the search module, where the metafield parameter fails to undergo proper validation or sanitization before being incorporated into SQL queries. This vulnerability falls under CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploiting vulnerabilities in applications. The impact extends beyond simple data exfiltration as attackers can potentially gain full database access, modify sensitive information, or escalate privileges within the application environment.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker submits malicious input through the metafield parameter in the search function, bypassing the application's intended input validation mechanisms. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows remote code execution without requiring authentication, making it a prime target for automated exploitation. Attackers can craft SQL payloads that manipulate the database queries to extract administrative credentials, bypass authentication mechanisms, or even execute system commands depending on the database backend. The lack of proper input sanitization means that special SQL characters and commands can be interpreted by the database engine rather than being treated as literal values, creating a direct pathway for database manipulation. This type of vulnerability is classified as a persistent injection flaw, as it affects the core database interaction logic rather than being a temporary or isolated issue.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-14738 extends far beyond immediate data compromise, as it represents a fundamental security weakness in the application's architecture that can lead to complete system compromise. Organizations running affected FileRun versions face potential exposure of sensitive user data, including personal information, uploaded files, and system credentials. The vulnerability can be exploited through simple web-based attacks, making it accessible to threat actors with minimal technical expertise. Additionally, the compromised system may serve as a foothold for further lateral movement within network environments, particularly if the database contains administrative accounts or if the application shares network resources with other systems. The vulnerability's presence in the search functionality means that even routine user activities could be leveraged for exploitation, creating a persistent threat vector that remains active as long as the vulnerable version is operational.
Organizations must implement immediate remediation measures to address CVE-2017-14738, beginning with upgrading to FileRun version 2017.09.19 or later, which contains the necessary patches to resolve the input sanitization issues. Network-based mitigations should include implementing web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious SQL injection patterns targeting the metasearch module. Database-level protections must be enforced through proper input validation, parameterized queries, and least privilege access controls to minimize the impact of any potential exploitation attempts. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual search patterns or database access attempts that may indicate exploitation activity. System administrators should also conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify any other applications or systems that may be susceptible to similar injection flaws, as the underlying architectural weakness demonstrates poor security practices that may exist elsewhere in the application stack. The vulnerability serves as a critical reminder of the importance of input validation and proper database query construction in preventing remote code execution attacks.