CVE-2017-17920 in Ruby on Rails
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in the 'reorder' method in Ruby on Rails 5.1.4 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the 'name' parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/07/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-17920 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the Ruby on Rails web application framework affecting versions 5.1.4 and earlier. This vulnerability resides in the 'reorder' method implementation and specifically targets the 'name' parameter, creating a pathway for remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands against affected applications. The flaw demonstrates the dangerous consequences of improper input validation and parameter handling in web frameworks where user-supplied data is directly incorporated into database queries without adequate sanitization or escaping mechanisms.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-89, which categorizes SQL injection as a weakness that occurs when an application incorporates user input directly into SQL queries without proper validation or escaping. The 'reorder' method in Rails typically handles sorting operations for database queries, and when the 'name' parameter is processed without proper sanitization, it allows attackers to inject malicious SQL fragments that can be executed by the database engine. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can enable attackers to extract sensitive data, modify database contents, or even escalate privileges within the database system. The vulnerability exists at the intersection of application logic and database interaction where user input flows directly into query construction without appropriate security controls.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-17920 extends beyond simple data theft, as it can enable full database compromise and potentially lead to complete system takeover. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to bypass authentication mechanisms, manipulate application data, or even execute system commands if the database user has elevated privileges. The remote nature of the attack means that adversaries can exploit this vulnerability from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access to the system. This vulnerability directly maps to several ATT&CK techniques including T1071.004 for application layer protocol and T1046 for network service scanning, as attackers often use such vulnerabilities to enumerate and exploit database services. The widespread adoption of Ruby on Rails means that numerous web applications could be vulnerable, making this a high-priority security concern for organizations running affected versions of the framework.
Organizations should immediately upgrade to Ruby on Rails version 5.1.5 or later where this vulnerability has been patched through proper input sanitization and parameter binding mechanisms. The fix implemented by the Rails team typically involves ensuring that user-supplied parameters are properly escaped or parameterized before being incorporated into database queries. Additionally, implementing proper input validation, using prepared statements, and employing web application firewalls can provide additional defense-in-depth measures. Security teams should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments across all Ruby on Rails applications and ensure that proper security coding practices are followed in the development lifecycle to prevent similar issues from occurring in the future. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of keeping third-party libraries and frameworks up to date as part of regular security maintenance procedures.