CVE-2017-20104 in Simplessus
Summary
by MITRE • 06/28/2022
A vulnerability was found in Simplessus 3.7.7. It has been declared as critical. This vulnerability affects unknown code of the component Cookie Handler. The manipulation of the argument UWA_SID leads to sql injection (Time). The attack can be initiated remotely. The exploit has been disclosed to the public and may be used. Upgrading to version 3.8.3 is able to address this issue. It is recommended to upgrade the affected component.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/13/2026
This critical vulnerability in Simplessus version 3.7.7 represents a time-based sql injection flaw within the Cookie Handler component that poses significant security risks to affected systems. The vulnerability specifically manifests when manipulating the UWA_SID argument, which serves as a session identifier within the application's cookie handling mechanism. The time-based sql injection technique allows attackers to infer database contents through response timing variations, making this attack particularly insidious as it can operate silently without immediate detection. The remote exploitation capability means that threat actors can leverage this vulnerability from outside the network perimeter, eliminating the need for physical access or internal network presence. This vulnerability directly aligns with CWE-94, which categorizes code injection flaws, and more specifically with CWE-89, addressing sql injection vulnerabilities that enable unauthorized database access and data manipulation. The disclosure of this exploit to the public community significantly increases the risk profile, as malicious actors can now deploy automated tools to exploit this weakness without requiring specialized knowledge or development effort.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise through database enumeration, unauthorized data modification, or even privilege escalation within the application's backend infrastructure. Attackers can leverage the time-based sql injection to extract sensitive information from the database, including user credentials, personal data, and system configuration details that could facilitate further attacks. The Cookie Handler component serves as a critical entry point for session management, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can potentially compromise user sessions and enable persistent access to the application. Organizations running Simplessus 3.7.7 are at heightened risk of data breaches, service disruption, and potential regulatory violations, especially if the application handles sensitive information or operates in regulated environments. The vulnerability's classification as critical by security vendors indicates that it can be exploited by automated tools and that the attack surface is broad enough to affect organizations of all sizes without requiring sophisticated attack techniques.
The recommended mitigation strategy involves upgrading to version 3.8.3, which contains the necessary patches to address the sql injection vulnerability in the Cookie Handler component. This upgrade process should be implemented immediately to minimize exposure windows and reduce the risk of exploitation. Organizations should also conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify any other potentially affected components or systems that might be running older versions of the software. Security teams should implement additional monitoring measures to detect potential exploitation attempts, including analyzing web application firewall logs for suspicious cookie handling patterns and monitoring for unusual database query response times. The fix in version 3.8.3 likely includes proper input validation and parameterized query implementation to prevent the injection of malicious sql code through the UWA_SID argument. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls, input sanitization measures, and regular security testing procedures to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in other application components. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining current software versions and implementing robust security controls, as the exploitation of such flaws can lead to severe consequences including financial loss, reputational damage, and compliance violations that may trigger regulatory penalties under standards such as gdpr, hipaa, or pci dss requirements.