CVE-2017-17917 in Ruby on Rails
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in the 'where' method in Ruby on Rails 5.1.4 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the 'id' parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/07/2025
The CVE-2017-17917 vulnerability represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the Ruby on Rails framework that affects versions 5.1.4 and earlier. This vulnerability specifically targets the 'where' method implementation, which is a fundamental component used for constructing database queries in Rails applications. The flaw enables remote attackers to inject malicious SQL commands through the 'id' parameter, potentially allowing full database access and manipulation. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the framework's query building mechanisms, creating an avenue for attackers to bypass normal security controls and execute arbitrary database operations.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-89, which categorizes SQL injection as a code injection technique where untrusted data is incorporated into SQL queries without proper sanitization. The flaw operates by allowing attackers to manipulate the 'id' parameter in a way that alters the intended SQL query structure, potentially leading to unauthorized data access, modification, or deletion. When a Rails application processes user input through the 'where' method without proper parameterization, the framework fails to adequately escape or validate the input before incorporating it into the database query execution chain. This creates a direct pathway for attackers to inject malicious SQL fragments that can be executed with the privileges of the database user account used by the application.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses severe risks to organizations utilizing affected Rails versions, as it can enable complete database compromise and data exfiltration. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to access sensitive user information, financial data, or proprietary business information stored in the database. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation can occur from any location without requiring physical access to the system or network. Additionally, the vulnerability can serve as a stepping stone for further attacks, potentially allowing attackers to escalate privileges or move laterally within the network infrastructure. The impact extends beyond immediate data theft to include potential service disruption, regulatory compliance violations, and significant financial losses due to data breaches and associated remediation costs.
Organizations should immediately upgrade to Ruby on Rails 5.1.5 or later versions to remediate this vulnerability, as this release includes the necessary patches to properly sanitize input parameters within the 'where' method. Security teams should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all applications running affected Rails versions and ensure proper patch management procedures are in place. Additional mitigations include implementing web application firewalls, employing proper input validation at multiple layers, and conducting regular security testing to identify similar vulnerabilities. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under the T1190 technique for exploiting vulnerabilities in web applications, emphasizing the importance of maintaining up-to-date software and implementing proper access controls to prevent unauthorized database access. Organizations should also consider implementing database activity monitoring and logging to detect suspicious query patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts.